Tensions between the United States and Iran have intensified following President Donald Trump’s social media declaration warning Iranian authorities against using violence against peaceful demonstrators. The former president issued a stark warning on Truth Social, stating the U.S. would “come to their rescue” if protesters were harmed, adding that American forces were “locked and loaded and ready to go.
The warning came amid reports of escalating violence in Iran where at least six fatalities occurred during widespread protests triggered by deteriorating economic conditions and a sharp decline in the Iranian rial’s value. The demonstrations, which began among Tehran shopkeepers, have since expanded to include university students and spread across multiple cities, with participants openly challenging the country’s clerical leadership.
Iran responded swiftly to Trump’s provocation through Ali Larijani, senior adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who cautioned that any U.S. intervention would “destabilize the entire region and destroy America’s interests.” Larijani emphasized that Trump should “be careful” regarding potential involvement in Iran’s internal affairs.
According to verified footage and reports from semi-official news agency Fars and human rights organization Hengaw, the recent violence included fatal clashes in Lordegan where two protesters were killed, with additional deaths reported in Azna and Kouhdasht. Social media footage depicted burning vehicles during confrontations between security forces and demonstrators, though the BBC noted it could not independently verify all casualty reports.
This confrontation represents the latest chapter in ongoing tensions between the nations. In June, the U.S. conducted strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities under Trump’s orders, which American officials claimed significantly hindered Tehran’s nuclear weapons program—a assertion Iran disputes. Iran retaliated with missile attacks targeting a major U.S. military installation in Qatar.
While newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed willingness to address protesters’ “legitimate demands,” Prosecutor-General Mohammad Movahedi-Azad simultaneously warned that instability attempts would meet with a “decisive response.” The current protests mark the most significant demonstrations since the 2022 uprising following Mahsa Amini’s death in custody, though on a comparatively smaller scale.