Trump Warns Iran Against Violence Towards Protesters, Hints at Potential Intervention

Former U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iranian authorities against harming peaceful protesters, suggesting potential U.S. intervention if violence occurred. The warning came amidst ongoing protests in Iran, sparked by worsening economic conditions.

In a post on Truth Social on Friday, Trump stated that if Iran "shots sic and violently kills peaceful protesters," the U.S. would "come to their rescue." He added, "We are locked and loaded and ready to go," but did not provide further details, according to BBC World.

A senior advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei responded to Trump's warning, advising him to "be careful" if he intervened. The advisor cautioned that intervention could lead to chaos across the Middle East, BBC World reported.

The exchange occurred within a context of already strained relations between the U.S. and Iran, including past U.S. military actions and Iranian retaliatory measures. The situation underscores the delicate balance of power in the region and the potential for further destabilization, according to BBC World.

At least eight people have reportedly been killed in Iran during the mass protests, which have been ongoing for almost a week, BBC World noted. The protests were triggered by growing economic grievances among the Iranian population.