In a bold statement, US President Donald Trump has issued a warning to Iranian authorities regarding their treatment of peaceful protesters. He made this declaration via a brief post on social media, emphasizing that Washington is "locked and loaded and ready to go" should the Iranian government resort to violence. The post did not provide additional details regarding potential actions the United States might take.
In response to Trump's warning, a senior adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, cautioned that any intervention by the US could lead to chaos throughout the Middle East. Ali Larijani, the adviser, stated that Trump should tread carefully, as US involvement in Iran's internal matters could destabilize the entire region and undermine America’s interests. He expressed that such actions would only exacerbate tensions.
The backdrop to these warnings is a series of mass protests in Iran, which have escalated due to worsening economic conditions. Reports indicate that at least six individuals have lost their lives during these protests, which have been ongoing for nearly a week. On Thursday, two fatalities occurred in clashes between protesters and security forces in the southwestern city of Lordegan, while additional casualties were reported in the cities of Azna and Kouhdasht.
The semi-official Fars news agency and the human rights organization Hengaw have reported these fatalities, although Fars did not clarify whether those killed were demonstrators or security personnel. However, Hengaw identified the deceased in Lordegan as protesters, naming them as Ahmad Jalil and Sajjad Valamanesh. The BBC has not independently verified these reports.
Footage shared on social media has depicted chaotic scenes, including cars set ablaze amid ongoing clashes between protesters and security forces. The BBC Persian service has confirmed the authenticity of videos showing protests in various locations, including Lordegan, Tehran, and Marvdasht in southern Fars province.
These protests were initially sparked in Tehran by shopkeepers reacting to a significant drop in the value of the Iranian currency, the rial, against the US dollar. By Tuesday, the protests had expanded to university students and spread to multiple cities, with demonstrators chanting against the clerical leadership of the country. Among the protesters, there have been calls for the end of Khamenei's rule, with some expressing a desire to return to a monarchy.
The Iranian government's response has been mixed. President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated his willingness to listen to the legitimate demands of the protesters. Conversely, the country's Prosecutor-General, Mohammad Movahedi-Azad, has issued a stern warning that any attempts to destabilize the situation will be met with a decisive response, indicating the government's readiness to enforce order.
As the situation continues to unfold in Iran, the international community watches closely, particularly considering Trump's recent comments and the historical context of US-Iran relations. The potential for escalation remains a concern as both sides navigate this tense landscape.