US President Donald Trump has warned Iran's authorities against killing peaceful protesters, declaring that Washington will come to their rescue if needed.
In a brief post on social media, Trump stated: We are locked and loaded and ready to go, but did not elaborate on the specifics of any potential actions.
A senior advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, countered Trump's warning, cautioning that US intervention could destabilize the entire Middle East.
At least eight people have died in Iran following mass protests that emerged in response to dire economic conditions, sparking widespread discontent among the public.
In Friday's remarks on Truth Social, Trump said, If Iran shots [sic] and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. However, he did not define what actions the US might take against Iran.
Previously, in June, the US conducted strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities under Trump's orders, an act that reportedly set back Iran's nuclear ambitions, a claim that Iran disputes.
In retaliation for that strike, Iran launched a missile attack on a significant US military base in Qatar.
After Trump’s latest comments, Khamenei's adviser Ali Larijani warned that US interference would jeopardize American interests in the region.
Despite this, some Iranian protesters welcomed the prospect of US support. One unnamed protester expressed hope by stating, They [security forces] are afraid and they shake to the bones when Mr. Trump says something.”
The protests, which have seen clashes between demonstrators and security forces across various cities, began nearly a week ago in Tehran, primarily among shopkeepers frustrated with the falling value of Iran's currency, the rial.
As unrest spread, university students joined in, demanding an end to Khamenei's rule, with a few expressing a desire for a return to monarchy.
Recent confrontations during funerals for protest victims further illustrate the rising tensions, as mourners clash with security forces.
Iranian officials have asserted that they will act decisively against any attempts to destabilize the regime, signaling that the potential for further violence remains high in the wake of these developments.
