Former US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iran on Friday, stating that the United States would intervene if Iranian authorities used lethal force against peaceful demonstrators. The warning comes as Iran grapples with its most significant wave of public unrest since the 2022 protests.
Trump's "Locked and Loaded" Warning on Social Media
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Donald Trump directly addressed the Iranian government. He claimed that if Iran follows its "custom" of shooting and killing peaceful protesters, the United States of America will come to their rescue. Trump concluded his message with a forceful statement, declaring, "We are locked and loaded and ready to go. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"
This public threat from the former American president amplifies international scrutiny on Iran's handling of domestic dissent. The statement references a long history of violent crackdowns on protest movements within the country.
Widespread Protests Over Ailing Economy Enter Fifth Day
The trigger for Trump's comments is a new and expanding series of demonstrations across Iran, now in their fifth day. The protests, which began on Sunday, are the largest the nation has seen since the 2022 upheaval following the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody.
The unrest originated in Tehran's major bazaars after the Iranian rial currency plummeted to historic lows. This crash caused a sharp spike in prices and living costs, igniting public anger. By Tuesday, the protests had spread beyond the capital.
- Students and residents in cities like Shiraz, Isfahan, Kermanshah, and Fasa joined the demonstrations.
- Videos from the ground show protesters clashing with security forces and chanting slogans such as "Death to the Dictator" and "Death to Khamenei," targeting Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
- Additional footage circulated by the opposition group MEK shows crowds across Iran chanting "Shame on you!" as the merchant-led protests continue nationwide.
At least seven people have been killed in the ongoing protests, which are fueled by soaring inflation, a record currency collapse, unemployment, water shortages, and widespread frustration with governance.
Government Response and Broader Implications
In response to the crisis, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has acknowledged the public's anger. He promised to listen to the "legitimate demands" of the protesters but also issued a warning against any attempts to destabilize the country. The authorities have made some adjustments, including appointing a new central bank chief and tightening security around university campuses.
The current situation highlights the persistent and deep-seated economic and social challenges facing Iran. The 2022 protests were a pivotal moment of civil disobedience, and the rapid spread of the latest demonstrations indicates that public patience is wearing thin. The combination of domestic fury and high-profile international warnings, like that from Donald Trump, creates a volatile and highly tense atmosphere.
As the protests enter a critical phase, the world watches to see how the Iranian government will balance its security response with addressing the core economic grievances of its people, all while navigating the geopolitical pressure from figures like the former US president.
