U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iranian authorities against harming peaceful protesters, stating the United States would intervene. In a post on Truth Social Friday, Trump wrote, "If Iran shots sic and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue."
Trump did not specify what form U.S. intervention would take. The warning comes amid nearly a week of mass protests in Iran sparked by deteriorating economic conditions. Reports indicate at least eight people have died in the unrest.
A senior advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei responded to Trump's statement, advising him to "be careful" and warning of potential chaos across the Middle East should the U.S. intervene.
The protests reflect long-standing grievances within Iran related to economic hardship, inflation, and perceived government corruption. Iran's economy has been strained in recent years by international sanctions, particularly those reimposed by the Trump administration after withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal. These sanctions have limited Iran's ability to export oil, a key source of revenue.
In June, the U.S. carried out strikes against Iran's nuclear sites on Trump's orders. American officials claimed the strikes significantly hindered Iran's nuclear weapons development, a claim disputed by Iran. The potential for further U.S. action raises concerns about escalating tensions in a region already grappling with multiple conflicts and political instability. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with many nations urging restraint and calling for dialogue to address the underlying issues fueling the protests.
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