Six die in unrest over Iran’s economic crisis; Trump threatens intervention; Araghchi, top operatives of Khamenei, slam the US
Screenshot by UGC released on social media shows protesters attacking a government building in Fasa, southern Iran. Photo: AFP
WASHINGTON/TEHRAN:
President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iran on Friday, declaring that the United States was “locked and loaded” to intervene if Iranian security forces killed protesters, drawing swift condemnation from Tehran.
As Iran grappled with nationwide unrest that erupted over the country’s worsening economic crisis, Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform that the United States would “come to the rescue of protesters” if they were violently attacked.
His remarks came amid the biggest wave of unrest in Iran in three years, which has already claimed at least six lives and spread across at least 20 cities, mostly in the western provinces. The president framed the protests as a response to rising inflation and economic stagnation.
The threat drew swift condemnation from Tehran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the comments as “reckless and dangerous” and warned that any interference would destabilize the region.
Ali Larijani, head of Iran’s National Security Council and top adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned that US intervention would endanger US troops and interests. Ali Shamkhani, another senior adviser to Khamenei, stressed that Iran’s security was a “red line” that would trigger a response if breached.
The protests were sparked by Iran’s faltering economy, with inflation officially above 36% and the national currency plummeting following partial deregulation of the currency exchange.
Economic grievances have translated into wider civil unrest, including strikes by shopkeepers in Tehran and demonstrations in Western cities. Footage on social media showed crowds gathered outside a burning police station, with occasional gunshots and slogans such as “shameless” directed at the authorities.
President Masoud Pezeshkian adopted a conciliatory tone, acknowledging government failures and promising dialogue with protest leaders. “We are to blame… Don’t look for America or anyone else to blame. We have to serve properly so people are happy with us,” Pezeshkian said, highlighting efforts to address the cost of living crisis.
At the same time, the authorities have signaled a firm stance against illegal activity. Said Montazeralmahdi, a police spokesman, said security forces understood the protesters’ legitimate economic and civil demands, but would not tolerate chaos or actions that would destabilize public order.
In Lorestan province, the judiciary warned that participation in illegal gatherings or acts of violence would be met with the “greatest firmness.”
Regional context
Iran’s unrest is further complicated by external pressures. The country’s economy and regional influence have been weakened by Western sanctions, recent Israeli and US airstrikes on its nuclear facilities and allied and military setbacks in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza.
Human rights organizations report arrests in western provinces, including Kurdish and Baluchi minorities, with Hengaw noting at least 29 prisoners linked to the protests.
In Zahedan, members of Iran’s Baluch community reportedly shouted slogans such as “Death to the dictator”. State media confirmed some deaths in Lordegan and Kuhdasht, while reports from Fars province remain disputed.
The United Nations and rights advocates, including UN human rights chief Volker Turk, have called on Iran to respect freedom of expression, assembly and association and called for restraint and protection of civilians.
