US president Donald Trump has warned that the United States could intervene in Iran if its government kills protesters, triggering sharp reactions from senior Iranian officials who said any American interference would cross a red line. In a social media message, Trump said the US was ready to act if demonstrators were shot, without explaining what form such action might take.
Iran is facing its largest protests since 2022, now entering a sixth day. The unrest was sparked by a steep collapse in the value of the Iranian rial, which has fallen to around 1.4 million to the dollar, deepening economic hardship. At least seven people have been reported killed, while videos circulating online show security forces carrying weapons and gunfire being heard.
Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi described Trump’s remarks as dangerous and said the military was on alert. He said protests had largely been peaceful but warned that attacks on public property would not be tolerated. Other senior officials accused the US and Israel of fueling the unrest and warned that any foreign involvement would bring serious consequences.
Demonstrations have spread from Tehran to other cities, with shops closing and students occupying campuses. While economic distress remains the central issue, protesters have also voiced anger over corruption and governance. President Masoud Pezeshkian has signaled openness to dialogue, but recent deaths suggest the authorities may be moving toward a harder response.
