Trump: US Will Rescue Iran If Protests Turn Deadly

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Rising Tensions Between the U.S. and Iran

President Trump made a bold statement on social media, warning that if Iran "violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom," the United States would intervene to protect them. The message, posted on his Truth Social platform just before 3 a.m. Eastern Time, was brief but carried significant weight. Trump added, "We are locked and loaded and ready to go." This remark came amid growing unrest in Iran, where at least eight people have been killed over the past week as protests continue across the country.

The demonstrations began as business owners expressed frustration with the nation's worsening economic conditions. For years, Iran has struggled with hyperinflation, a situation exacerbated by Western sanctions imposed due to its nuclear program and support for militant groups in the region. Protests have spread to over 100 locations in 22 of Iran's 31 provinces, according to reports from the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. The death toll has risen as a demonstrator was killed in Marvdasht, Fars province.

Economic Crisis Sparks Unrest

Alex Vatanka, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, explained that the current wave of protests was partly driven by shopkeepers who are frustrated with the weakening Iranian currency. These business owners, typically seen as conservative, have become increasingly vocal about the challenges of running their businesses in such an unstable environment. Vatanka noted that this level of public dissent indicates just how dire the situation has become.

Iranian authorities have acknowledged the economic concerns and stated that peaceful protests are legitimate. However, they have also accused foreign powers—often referring to the U.S. and Israel—of inciting violence. In response to Trump’s comments, Ali Larijani, a former speaker of Iran’s parliament, warned that U.S. intervention could lead to chaos in the region and harm American interests. He also suggested that the U.S. should focus on its own military forces stationed in the Middle East, which are within range of Iran’s missile arsenal.

Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, issued a stern warning, stating that any foreign interference would be met with force. He reminded Iranians of past experiences with U.S. involvement, citing conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Gaza.

International Reactions and Regional Dynamics

Both the U.S. and Israeli governments have expressed support for the Iranian protesters prior to Trump’s recent remarks. Mike Waltz, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, stated that the Iranian people deserve freedom and condemned the regime for causing economic hardship and war. While it remains unclear what specific actions the Trump administration might take to support the protesters, Vatanka believes that even symbolic gestures of support could energize the movement.

The tension between the U.S. and Iran has escalated following a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort. During their meeting, Trump mentioned concerns about Iran potentially rebuilding its nuclear program after U.S. strikes on its enrichment facilities in June. He warned that if Iran attempted to rebuild, "we'll knock them down."

In response, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian vowed to take unspecified "harsh and discouraging" measures against any aggression. This comes amid a history of protests in Iran, including the 2022 demonstrations sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman arrested for violating dress code laws. Her death led to widespread anger and a violent crackdown by security forces.

Historical Context and Ongoing Conflict

Iran has faced periodic protests, with the most recent wave not matching the scale of the 2019 demonstrations, which were triggered by a sharp increase in petrol prices. The standoff between Iran and the U.S. over the nuclear program reached a peak in June when Trump ordered military strikes on Iran’s enrichment facilities. Israel also conducted strikes on the country during this period.

While Trump has hinted at potential new actions if Iran attempts to rebuild its nuclear program, his recent social media post marked the first indication of possible U.S. intervention on behalf of Iranian protesters. This development underscores the complex relationship between the two nations and the broader geopolitical tensions in the region.