UPDATE: Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated dramatically on Friday as President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Iranian leaders amidst widespread protests in Iran. The protests, sparked by the collapse of the Iranian rial, have led to at least seven deaths due to related violence.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump cautioned Iran against “violently killing peaceful protesters,” stating that the United States “will come to their rescue.” His remarks follow a series of violent demonstrations that have erupted across the nation, marking a significant increase in unrest since June 2023, when the U.S. conducted airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Shortly after Trump’s statement, Iranian official Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, responded on social media platform X, accusing the U.S. and Israel of inciting the protests without providing any evidence. He warned that U.S. intervention would lead to “chaos in the entire region” and called for Americans to be mindful of their soldiers’ safety.
“We are locked and loaded and ready to go,” Trump wrote, emphasizing the seriousness of his warning. In a direct response to Trump’s remarks, Larijani stated, “The people of Iran properly know the experience of ‘being rescued’ by Americans: from Iraq and Afghanistan to Gaza.”
These ongoing protests are now in their sixth day and represent the largest unrest in Iran since the protests following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022, which had sparked nationwide outrage. Current demonstrations have not yet spread widely but are rooted in economic grievances, including the rial’s rapid depreciation, which has reached approximately 1.4 million rials to $1.
Iran’s civilian government, led by reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian, has attempted to negotiate with protesters but faces significant limitations due to the dire economic situation. As protests continue to unfold, demonstrators have also chanted against the Iranian theocracy, reflecting deep-seated frustrations among citizens.
Further complicating the situation, Iranian officials have vowed to safeguard their sovereignty. Ali Shamkhani, a key adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, issued a stark warning, stating, “Any interventionist hand that gets too close to the security of Iran will be cut off.”
As the situation develops, the international community watches closely. Both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have previously cautioned Iran against resuming its nuclear program, which could further aggravate tensions.
With protests intensifying and the potential for direct U.S. involvement looming, the coming days could prove critical in shaping the future of U.S.-Iran relations and the stability of the region.
Stay tuned for further updates on this rapidly evolving situation.
