Former President Donald Trump has issued a direct threat to Iranian authorities regarding their treatment of civilian protesters, signaling potential U.S. military intervention. In a Friday post on Truth Social, Trump declared the United States stands “locked and loaded and ready to go” should Iranian security forces employ lethal measures against demonstrators.
The warning follows escalating violence in Iran during widespread protests triggered by severe economic pressures. Multiple sources confirm several fatalities, including one security force member, during clashes that erupted overnight into Thursday. These represent the most significant public demonstrations to challenge Iran’s leadership in three years.
The unrest originated from shopkeepers protesting the government’s handling of a currency crisis and spiraling inflation rates exceeding 40 percent. While initially economic in nature, the protests have rapidly expanded across multiple regions, drawing participation from students and other segments of society.
Iranian officials have attempted to distinguish between legitimate economic grievances and what they characterize as security threats. Prosecutor General Mohammad Movahedi-Azad acknowledged the validity of livelihood protests while warning that any attempts to “create insecurity” would meet a “decisive response.”
The situation develops amid heightened regional tensions, with Iran simultaneously confronting the impact of Western sanctions and recovering from airstrikes targeting its nuclear infrastructure and military leadership in June. Trump’s statement introduces a new dimension to the complex geopolitical landscape, potentially signaling a shift in U.S. foreign policy approach toward Iran.