Washington / Tehran — US President Donald Trump issued a sharp warning to Iranian authorities on Friday, declaring that the United States is prepared to intervene if Tehran responds violently to ongoing protests sparked by economic hardship.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump said:
“If Iran shots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue.”
He added:
The remarks came amid reports that at least six people have been killed during clashes between demonstrators and security forces over the past week, as protests widened beyond Tehran into several provinces.
Economic Protests Turn Deadly
The latest unrest began on Sunday with a strike by merchants in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, where traders protested the surging cost of living, currency collapse, and worsening economic conditions. What started as a localized economic protest has since grown into broader demonstrations involving multiple social groups.
Iranian media outlets reported fatalities in several regions. According to Fars News Agency, two civilians were killed during confrontations with security forces in the city of Lordegan. In the neighboring Lorestan province, three people were reported dead in the city of Azna.
Separately, state television confirmed that a member of the Basij, a paramilitary force affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was killed during unrest in the western city of Kuhdasht.
Growing Unrest, Familiar Pattern
While the current demonstrations have not yet reached the scale of nationwide uprisings seen in previous years, analysts say they represent the most serious challenge to Iranian authorities since the 2022 protests following the death of Mahsa Amini.
Amini died while in custody after being detained by Iran’s morality police for allegedly violating dress code regulations. Her death sparked months of mass protests across the country, leaving hundreds dead, including dozens of security personnel.
Iran has also faced major unrest in the past, tied to economic grievances. In November 2019, protests erupted following a fuel price hike, prompting a severe crackdown. Authorities officially reported 230 deaths, though independent human rights organizations estimated the true toll was significantly higher.
International Pressure Mounts
Trump’s warning adds to growing international scrutiny of Iran’s response to domestic dissent, particularly as economic pressures — driven by inflation, sanctions, and currency devaluation — continue to fuel public frustration.
Iranian officials have not publicly responded to Trump’s comments. Meanwhile, demonstrations remain ongoing, with observers closely watching whether the unrest escalates into a broader nationwide movement.