Iran Condemns Trump Warning as Protests Continue Across the Country
Tensions between Iran and the United States have escalated after former US President Donald Trump warned that Washington could intervene if peaceful protesters in Iran are killed. Iran’s foreign minister has described the statement as irresponsible and a threat to regional stability.
In remarks reported by Iranian state-linked media, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Trump’s comments were “reckless and dangerous” and accused the US of interfering in Iran’s internal affairs at a sensitive moment.
Trump’s Statement Sparks Strong Reaction
Trump issued the warning in a brief social media post on Friday, saying the United States would “come to the rescue” of protesters if Iranian authorities used lethal force against them. He added that the US was “locked and loaded and ready to go,” without explaining what form any potential action might take.
The statement followed days of unrest in Iran, where demonstrations have erupted over worsening economic conditions, including a sharp drop in the value of the national currency, the rial. Trump’s comments immediately drew criticism from Iranian officials, who said such remarks could inflame tensions rather than help calm the situation.
Iran Signals Military Readiness
In response, Araghchi suggested that Iran’s armed forces were on alert and prepared to defend the country if attacked. Writing on social media, he said Iran “knows exactly where to aim” in the event of external aggression, though he did not specify any targets.
He also pointed to Trump’s recent domestic actions in the United States, arguing that the former president should understand that governments do not tolerate violent acts or attacks on public property. Iran, he said, would firmly reject any foreign interference in its domestic matters.
Protests Spread Beyond Tehran
The protests began in the capital, Tehran, after merchants and workers voiced anger over the rapid depreciation of the rial against the US dollar on the open market. As the week progressed, demonstrations spread to several cities and towns, with university students joining the movement.
Chants critical of Iran’s clerical leadership were reported in multiple locations. In some areas, confrontations broke out between protesters and security forces, leading to injuries and arrests.
Reported Deaths Remain Unverified
Human rights groups and Iranian media outlets have reported that at least eight people have died since the protests began. According to semi-official sources, fatalities were reported in cities including Lordegan, Azna, Kouhdasht, Fuladshahr and Marvdasht.
Some reports identified individuals killed during clashes, while others did not specify whether the victims were protesters or members of the security forces. International media organizations, including the BBC, have said they are unable to independently verify the casualty figures.
Iranian Authorities Warn Against Unrest
Iranian police officials have said they will not allow what they described as hostile forces to turn protests into widespread disorder. A police spokesperson warned that security forces would act to prevent unrest from escalating into chaos.
At the same time, President Masoud Pezeshkian struck a more conciliatory tone, saying his administration was prepared to listen to what he called the “legitimate demands” of citizens expressing economic grievances.
However, Iran’s Prosecutor General, Mohammad Movahedi-Azad, issued a stern warning that any attempt to destabilize the country would be met with a decisive response from the authorities.
Diplomatic Moves at the United Nations
The dispute has also reached the international stage. Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir-Saeid Iravani, has written to the UN secretary-general and the president of the Security Council, calling for condemnation of Trump’s remarks.
In the letter, Iravani warned that the United States would bear responsibility for any consequences resulting from what he described as unlawful threats and potential escalation. He said Iran would respond proportionately if its sovereignty were violated.
Context of Long-Running US-Iran Tensions
Relations between Tehran and Washington have been strained for years, marked by sanctions, diplomatic stand-offs and occasional military incidents. In the past, the US has carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear-related facilities, which Iran has responded to with retaliatory actions targeting US interests in the region.
The current protests are being closely watched internationally, as they represent the most widespread unrest since demonstrations in 2022 following the death of Mahsa Amini while in police custody. While the current protests are not believed to be on the same scale, they highlight ongoing economic pressure and public dissatisfaction.
As demonstrations continue, observers say the situation remains fluid. Iranian officials insist they will maintain order, while warning external powers against involvement. Meanwhile, Trump’s comments have added another layer of tension to an already volatile situation.