US President Donald Trump has warned Iran's authorities against killing peaceful protesters, saying Washington 'will come to their rescue.' In a brief post on social media, he wrote: 'We are locked and loaded and ready to go,' but gave no further details. A senior adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei responded by saying Trump should 'be careful' if he intervened, warning of potential chaos across the Middle East.
At least eight people are reported to have been killed in Iran after almost a week of mass protests sparked by worsening economic conditions. In Friday's post on Truth Social, Trump stated: 'If Iran shots [sic] and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue.' He did not specify what action Washington could take against the Iranian authorities.
In June, the US carried out strikes against Iran's nuclear sites on Trump's orders, which American officials argued significantly delayed Tehran's nuclear ambitions. In response, Iran launched a missile attack on a major US military base in Qatar.
Shortly after Trump's post, Khamenei adviser Ali Larijani warned that US interference would destabilize the region and jeopardize American interests. Nevertheless, some protesters expressed a desire for US support, suggesting that Trump's comments made security forces apprehensive about their actions.
Reports indicate that protests began due to anger over the Iranian currency's sharp decline against the US dollar. Demonstrations have spread, with many calling for an end to Khamenei's rule. Iranian officials have reported casualties among both protesters and security forces.
As protests continue, the Iranian government has promised to address the 'legitimate demands' of citizens, but warns of a decisive response to any attempts at destabilization.
At least eight people are reported to have been killed in Iran after almost a week of mass protests sparked by worsening economic conditions. In Friday's post on Truth Social, Trump stated: 'If Iran shots [sic] and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue.' He did not specify what action Washington could take against the Iranian authorities.
In June, the US carried out strikes against Iran's nuclear sites on Trump's orders, which American officials argued significantly delayed Tehran's nuclear ambitions. In response, Iran launched a missile attack on a major US military base in Qatar.
Shortly after Trump's post, Khamenei adviser Ali Larijani warned that US interference would destabilize the region and jeopardize American interests. Nevertheless, some protesters expressed a desire for US support, suggesting that Trump's comments made security forces apprehensive about their actions.
Reports indicate that protests began due to anger over the Iranian currency's sharp decline against the US dollar. Demonstrations have spread, with many calling for an end to Khamenei's rule. Iranian officials have reported casualties among both protesters and security forces.
As protests continue, the Iranian government has promised to address the 'legitimate demands' of citizens, but warns of a decisive response to any attempts at destabilization.
