Donald Trump's warning that the US will intervene if peaceful protesters are killed was reckless and dangerous, Iran's foreign minister has stated. Abbas Araghchi's remarks came after Trump said that Washington will come to their rescue of demonstrators participating in protests over Iran's economy, writing on X, We are locked and loaded and ready to go. Araghchi indicated Iran's armed forces were prepared for any potential attack, underscoring their vigilance amid the protests.
As of now, reports indicate that at least eight individuals have died during these week-long protests. Trump previously tweeted on Friday, stating, If Iran shots [sic] and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. While he did not specify the form of action the US might take, he referenced prior strikes on Iran's nuclear sites that had triggered retaliatory responses.
On Saturday, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addressed the unrest, sequeling from protests about the Iranian rial's significant drop. He labeled these protests as legitimate but claimed that outside influences were provoking further dissatisfaction among the populace.
The protests have seen escalating violence, with Iranian authorities indicating deaths on both sides during confrontations. The European Union has urged Tehran to exercise restraint and uphold the rights of individuals to peaceful assembly.
Initially sparked by economic grievances, the demonstrations have broadened, echoing sentiments from past uprisings in 2022, marking a noteworthy moment in Iran's ongoing struggle with economic and social issues.
