Former US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran's leadership, declaring that the United States stands ready to intervene militarily if the regime violently cracks down on peaceful demonstrators.
Trump's 'Locked and Loaded' Ultimatum
In a provocative post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated, "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 pointed declaration: "We are locked and loaded and ready to go. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"
This direct threat of potential US action comes amid reports of escalating violence within Iran. The protests, now entering their fifth consecutive day, were sparked by public fury over soaring inflation and a dramatic collapse in living standards.
Nationwide Unrest and Conflicting Responses
Demonstrators have clashed with security forces in the capital, Tehran, and in numerous cities across the country. Social media footage has circulated showing vehicles set ablaze during these confrontations.
According to the semi-official Fars news agency, the death toll is rising. Reports indicate that six people have been killed in recent clashes. Two fatalities occurred in Lordegan, three in Azna, and one in Kouhdasht—all cities located in western Iran.
The Iranian government has offered mixed signals in response. President Masoud Pezeshkian has said his administration will listen to the protesters' grievances. However, this conciliatory tone was sharply contradicted by the country's top prosecutor, who promised a "decisive" response to the ongoing unrest.
International Stakes and Regional Tensions
Trump's intervention significantly raises the international stakes of the domestic Iranian crisis. His statement frames the situation not merely as an internal affair but as a potential flashpoint for US foreign policy action.
The warning underscores the volatile and deeply adversarial relationship between Washington and Tehran, which has persisted for decades. Analysts suggest that such public threats could either deter further state violence or inadvertently embolden hardliners within the Iranian regime.
As protests continue, the world watches to see whether Tehran will heed the calls for economic reform or double down on suppression, risking the ominous prospect of external intervention promised by the former American president.
