President Trump stated Friday the U.S. is prepared to intervene if Iran uses lethal force against protesters. His statement followed reports of clashes between Iranian security forces and protesters. Demonstrations, sparked by economic distress, have spread across major Iranian cities and smaller towns. Trump posted on Truth Social that the U.S. is "locked and loaded." The protests began among business owners and university students. Iranian state media reported at least one death in the clashes. Semiofficial news outlets reported additional fatalities in Lordegan, though these reports remain unconfirmed. Several security officers have been injured, according to Iranian authorities. The U.S. has not specified what form intervention would take. The Iranian government has yet to respond to Trump's statement. Further developments are expected as the situation unfolds.
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