Former US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, declaring that the United States stands ready to intervene militarily if the regime violently cracks down on peaceful demonstrators. The threat comes as nationwide protests in Iran enter their fifth day, with reports of multiple fatalities.
Trump's Direct Threat on Social Media
In a post on his Truth Social platform, President Trump stated: "If Iran shots 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!" This direct message underscores a significant escalation in rhetoric from the former commander-in-chief, positioning the US as a potential external ally for the protestors.
Unrest and Violence Across Iran
The protests, sparked by soaring inflation and a collapse in living standards, have seen citizens clash with security forces in Tehran and numerous other cities. Social media footage has circulated showing cars set ablaze during the confrontations.
According to the semi-official Fars news agency, the death toll has risen. Two people died in clashes in Lordegan, while three more were killed in Azna and another in Kouhdasht. All these cities are located in the west of the country, indicating the widespread nature of the discontent.
A Divided Iranian Response
The Iranian government appears to be sending mixed signals in response to the crisis. President Masoud Pezeshkian has said his administration will listen to the protesters' grievances. However, this conciliatory tone is countered by the country's top prosecutor, who has warned of a "decisive" response to the ongoing unrest, setting the stage for a potential further crackdown.
Trump's warning of being "locked and loaded" injects a volatile international dimension into an already tense domestic situation, raising the stakes for all parties involved as the world watches the protests unfold.
