US President Trump Warns Iran Over Violent Crackdown on Protesters.
Tensions in Iran have escalated as nationwide protests enter their fifth day, with demonstrators taking to the streets to voice their frustrations over rising living costs and a rapidly collapsing currency. At least five people have reportedly lost their lives in clashes with security forces, who have responded with tear gas and live ammunition in multiple cities.
Amid the growing unrest, US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iranian authorities, using his Truth Social platform to communicate directly with both the Iranian government and the international community.
“If Iran shoots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
The demonstrations, which started in Tehran and have since spread to cities including Isfahan, Yazd, Zanjan, and Fasa, are some of the largest seen in the country since 2022, when protests erupted following the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody. Many protesters are calling for an end to the rule of Iran’s supreme leadership, with some even openly advocating for the restoration of the monarchy. Social media videos show crowds marching through Tehran, chanting, “Rest in peace Reza Shah,” in reference to the founder of Iran’s former royal dynasty overthrown during the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Observers have compared the scale of the unrest to what some call Iran’s “Tiananmen moment,” highlighting the potential historical significance of the protests. In response to the unrest, authorities have closed schools, universities, and other public institutions in an attempt to curb the gatherings. Heavy police presence has been reported near Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, widely regarded as the epicenter of the demonstrations, while arrests have been made in multiple locations.
Despite government assurances, including statements from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that authorities are listening to the “legitimate demands” of protesters, tensions remain extremely high. The administration announced plans to create a dialogue mechanism to engage protest leaders, but it remains to be seen whether this will satisfy demonstrators or de-escalate the situation.
Trump’s intervention highlights the United States’ growing concern over the treatment of civilians and the potential for further violence. By making his statement on Truth Social, the president sought to signal both a warning and a commitment of support to the protesters, emphasizing that the US is prepared to take action if the situation worsens.
As global attention increasingly focuses on Iran, the coming days will be critical in determining whether authorities will maintain strict crackdowns or heed the calls of their citizens and the international community.
