Tehran, Iran – The confrontation between Tehran and Washington has entered a critical phase of direct threats. This comes as popular protests spread across several Iranian cities, resulting in seven deaths in bloody clashes between protesters and security forces.
Iranian warning: Intervention means chaos
Ali Larijani, a senior advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader, responded firmly to US President Donald Trump’s remarks. He emphasized that the US administration must understand the dangers of meddling in Iran’s internal affairs. Larijani warned that “American interference in the internal protests will spread chaos throughout the region.” He also stressed that stability in the Middle East is contingent upon respecting Iran’s sovereignty.
Trump: “Ready to act” to rescue protesters
This response came after an explicit threat issued by the US president via his “Truth Social” platform. He wrote: “If Iran shoots and kills peaceful protesters, the United States will intervene to save them.” Trump added in an escalating tone: “We are ready and waiting.” This was a clear indication of the possibility of direct US action to protect the popular movement.
Bloody field toll
On the ground, the current wave of anger began in Tehran’s bazaar last Sunday in protest against the high cost of living and the deteriorating economy. It then turned into widespread demonstrations in various provinces.
The context of protests and repressive memory
Although the current protests have not yet reached the scale of the 2022 demonstrations sparked by the death of young Mahsa Amini, Iranian authorities fear a repeat of past scenarios. In 2019, the violent crackdown on fuel protests resulted in the deaths of hundreds—a date Trump alluded to in his tweet, suggesting that killing was “what the Iranian authorities are used to.”
These developments come amid political deadlock and a crippling economic crisis, placing the Iranian regime under a double pressure: escalating internal protests and external threats of direct military intervention.
