President Donald Trump said that the United States would come to the “rescue” if Iranian forces began shooting protesters, as demonstrations against the regime continued for a sixth consecutive day.
Sparked by economic unrest, protests first broke out last weekend in Tehran with groups chanting “death to the dictator” and “freedom.” Seven people, including protesters and government forces, have been killed so far, according to reports.
“If Iran shots [sic] and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue,” Trump posted on Truth Social early Friday morning. “We are locked and loaded and ready to go. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
Trump’s warning comes as he has continued to take an aggressive approach to Iran, saying earlier this week that he would support more Israeli military strikes on the country if Tehran continues to develop ballistic missiles or pursue nuclear capabilities.
In response to Trump’s post, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said any intervention by America would exacerbate instability in the area while accusing the United States and Israel of encouraging the disorder.
“With the statements by Israeli officials and Donald Trump, what has been going on behind the scenes is now clear. We distinguish between the stance of the protesting shopkeepers and the actions of disruptive actors, and Trump should know that U.S. interference in this internal matter would mean destabilizing the entire region and destroying America’s interests,” he posted on X. “The American people should know — Trump started this adventurism. They should be mindful of their soldiers’ safety.”
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Much of the violence has occurred in Western Iran, where a local official promised that protesters would be treated “decisively and without leniency,” Reuters reported. Dozens of protesters, including women and children, have been arrested.
On Thursday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the protests were the result of the government’s failure to address skyrocketing inflation and widespread economic anxiety.
“We are to blame… Do not look for America or anyone else to blame. We must serve properly so that people are satisfied with us…. It is us who have to find a solution to these problems,” he said, Reuters reported.
Iran’s currency has reportedly dropped to 1.42 million to the dollar, a loss of more than 56% over six months, fueling soaring inflation and driving food prices up 72% from last year.