Former US President Donald Trump has issued a direct threat of military intervention against Iran, warning that American forces stand ready to “rescue” Iranian citizens if their government continues its violent suppression of ongoing protests. The declaration came via Trump’s TruthSocial platform, where he stated: “If Iran shoots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go.
The protests have emerged in response to a severe economic crisis that has seen Iran’s currency effectively collapse under the weight of US sanctions. Current exchange rates show one US dollar equivalent to over 42,000 Iranian Rial (IRR), with the unofficial daily currency, the Toman (equivalent to 10 IRR), driving basic living costs to unsustainable levels. A traditional meal now costs approximately 600 Toman, highlighting the economic pressure on citizens.
Iran’s leadership responded swiftly to Trump’s threats. Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, warned on social media platform X that US intervention “corresponds to chaos in the entire region and the destruction of US interests,” likely referencing Iran’s capability to target US military bases in the region. Larijani further cautioned American citizens to “take care of their own soldiers,” accusing Trump of initiating “adventurism.”
The exchange occurs against the backdrop of recent meetings between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where Iran’s nuclear program featured prominently on their agenda. Trump claimed that US and Israeli actions had previously “obliterated” Iranian nuclear sites, though Iran disputes this assertion. The former president added that if Iran attempts to rebuild its nuclear capabilities, “we’re going to have to knock them down… We’ll knock the hell out of them,” while leaving open the possibility of diplomatic resolution.
Netanyahu, during his US visit, continued his longstanding advocacy for military action against Iran, alleging Tehran’s involvement in “exporting terrorism” throughout the Middle East and even to Venezuela. His comments aligned with the Trump administration’s concurrent threats against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, including multiple strikes on vessels in the Caribbean Sea that the US claims are drug boats originating from Venezuela.