United States President Donald Trump has issued a fresh warning to Iran, threatening possible military intervention if Iranian authorities violently suppress ongoing protests across the country.
Trump made the remarks on Thursday via his Truth Social platform, accusing Tehran of what he described as a long-standing practice of shooting and killing peaceful demonstrators. He warned that the United States was prepared to respond forcefully should such actions continue.
“If Iran shoots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go,” Trump wrote.
The statement triggered sharp reactions online, with critics describing it as provocative and dangerous, while supporters hailed it as a strong stance against alleged human rights abuses by the Iranian government.
Iran swiftly rejected the threat. Ali Larijani, a senior Iranian official and top adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned that any U.S. interference in Iran’s internal affairs could destabilise the entire Middle East.
“American people should know that Trump started the adventurism. They ought to watch over their soldiers,” Larijani said, referencing Iran’s regional influence through allied groups in Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen.
The exchange comes amid escalating unrest in Iran, following the largest wave of protests the country has witnessed in three years. Demonstrations over rising inflation, economic hardship and currency depreciation have spread nationwide, with deadly clashes reported in western provinces including Lorestan and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari.
State-affiliated media and human rights organisations say at least six people have been killed since Wednesday, including a member of the Basij paramilitary force linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. Rights group Hengaw also reported that at least 29 protesters have been arrested, among them women, children and ethnic minorities.
Local officials have issued stern warnings, with one state media report quoting a western Iranian official as saying any unrest or illegal gatherings would be dealt with “decisively and without leniency,” raising concerns of further bloodshed.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, however, struck a rare conciliatory tone, acknowledging government failures and pledging dialogue with protest leaders over the cost-of-living crisis.
“We are to blame. Do not look for America or anyone else to blame. We must serve properly so that people are satisfied with us,” Pezeshkian said.
Iran’s economy has been under severe strain from prolonged Western sanctions over its nuclear programme, compounded by currency reforms that triggered a sharp fall in the rial, worsening inflation, which remains above 36 per cent by official estimates.
Analysts warn that the deepening economic crisis, combined with external pressures and internal unrest, has left Iran increasingly vulnerable, raising the stakes amid heightened rhetoric between Tehran and Washington.