Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Iran, cautioning its leadership against using violence on protesters as unrest spreads across the country. The former US president said that if Iranian authorities were to open fire on peaceful demonstrators, the United States would be prepared to respond. His remarks came as Iran faces its most serious wave of protests in three years, driven largely by economic collapse and public anger over worsening living conditions.
In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump wrote that if Iran “shoots and violently kills peaceful protesters,” the United States would intervene. He added that America was “locked and loaded and ready to go,” making clear that Washington was closely monitoring developments. His statement came amid growing reports of deaths and injuries linked to clashes between protesters and security forces across several Iranian provinces.
Trump’s warning followed escalating unrest triggered by Iran’s economic crisis, particularly the rapid collapse of the national currency. The Iranian rial has plunged sharply, fueling inflation and eroding purchasing power. As demonstrations spread from Tehran to multiple cities, reports began to emerge of violent confrontations between protesters and law enforcement agencies.
Iran’s leadership quickly reacted to Trump’s comments. Ali Larijani, a senior adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned that any US interference in Iran’s internal affairs would destabilise the entire region. He stressed that foreign involvement would only worsen the situation. His remarks were echoed by Ali Shamkhani, another close aide to Khamenei, who said Iran’s national security was a “red line” and not something that could be challenged through what he called reckless rhetoric.
According to Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency, at least three protesters were killed and 17 others injured in clashes in the western province of Lorestan after demonstrators allegedly attacked a police station. The report said protesters set fire to police vehicles and clashed with security forces after storming the compound. Additional fatalities were reported in Lordegan in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, as well as in Kuhdasht and Isfahan, though independent verification has been difficult. Human rights group Hengaw also reported that a protester was shot dead in Isfahan earlier in the week.
Separately, Iranian state media confirmed the death of a 21-year-old volunteer affiliated with the Revolutionary Guard’s Basij militia during protests on Wednesday night. While officials did not provide details, a government-aligned outlet claimed the individual was killed by demonstrators. Authorities later announced that at least 20 people had been arrested in Kouhdasht following unrest and said the situation had been brought under control.
The current wave of protests began earlier this week after shopkeepers and traders demonstrated against the government’s handling of the economy. Demonstrations quickly spread across Tehran and several provinces, including Fars, Lorestan, Kermanshah, Khuzestan, and Hamedan. Protesters voiced anger over rising prices, shortages, and the rapid devaluation of the rial, which has pushed the cost of basic goods beyond the reach of many families.
State television reported that Mohammad Reza Farzin, head of Iran’s Central Bank, stepped down as public anger mounted. Protests were also reported near Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, a historically significant centre of political activism. Authorities later declared a public holiday in many areas, officially citing cold weather, though critics said the move was aimed at discouraging large gatherings.
The unrest has drawn comparisons to the nationwide protests of 2022 that erupted after the death of Mahsa Jina Amini in police custody following her arrest for alleged violations of Iran’s dress code. Those protests were among the largest in recent years and were met with a severe crackdown by security forces.
Iran’s current president, Masoud Pezeshkian, has attempted to strike a conciliatory tone, acknowledging public frustration and saying his government is open to dialogue. However, he has also admitted that his administration has limited control over the economy as the rial continues to fall, with exchange rates reportedly reaching nearly 1.4 million rials to the US dollar.
Iran’s economic crisis has been exacerbated by years of international sanctions, particularly after the United States withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal during Trump’s presidency. Tensions have remained high since then, worsened by regional conflicts and a recent 12-day confrontation with Israel, during which US forces also carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
While Tehran has claimed it is no longer enriching uranium and has expressed willingness to return to negotiations, no formal talks have resumed. Both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have warned Iran against reviving its nuclear programme, keeping geopolitical tensions at a high level as protests continue to grip the country.
