At a Glance
- Trump vows U.S. intervention if Iran kills peaceful protesters.
- Iranian officials warn such intervention would spark regional chaos.
- At least seven deaths reported in Iran’s escalating protests.
- Why it matters: The clash could reshape U.S.-Iran relations and heighten Middle East instability.
President Donald Trump announced on Friday that the United States would intervene if Iran killed peaceful demonstrators, prompting Iranian officials to warn of regional chaos. The protests, sparked by economic grievances, have turned deadly, with at least seven people reported dead.
Trump’s Warning and Iranian Response
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that if Iran kills peaceful protesters, the U.S. will come to their rescue.
> “If Iran 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.”
Ali Shamkhani, adviser to Supreme Leader Khamenei, warned:
> “Any hand of intervention that comes close to Iran’s security under any pretext will be cut off before it can act.”
Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, speaker of the Iranian Parliament, said:
> “Trump’s threat makes all American bases and forces across the region legitimate targets in response to any possible adventurism.”
Ali Larijani, former Parliament speaker, alleged Israel and the U.S. were stoking the demonstrations, though he offered no evidence.
Escalating Violence and Casualties
The protests, which began in Tehran on Sunday, have spread to smaller cities and taken a more political tone. Video footage shows gunfire and crowds in cities such as Azna and Marvdasht. Human rights groups report at least 7 deaths, while a semi-official agency reports 3.
| Source | Reported deaths |
|---|---|
| Human rights organization | 7 |
| Semi-official news agency | 3 |
Additional casualties include:
- Three men killed in Azna, one man killed by security forces in Marvdasht, two men killed by security forces in Lordegan, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, one man killed by security forces in Fuladshahr, Isfahan.
- Amirhesam Khodayari Fard, a Basij militia member, was killed by security forces in Kuhdasht, Lorestan, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.
Government Measures and International Tensions
Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran’s civilian president, has signaled a willingness to negotiate with protesters and recognizes their legitimate demands. He warned that any aggressive action would be harsh and regrettable.
The government declared a public holiday on Wednesday, citing cold weather, creating a four-day break that includes the traditional Iranian weekend and the birthday of Imam Ali on Saturday. Security forces are expected to mobilize on Saturday, the anniversary of the 2020 drone strike that killed General Qassem Soleimani.
Key Takeaways
- President Trump vows U.S. intervention if Iran kills protesters.
- Iranian officials warn that such intervention would spark regional chaos.
- At least 7 deaths reported, with additional casualties across multiple provinces.
The escalating tensions highlight a volatile mix of domestic unrest and international brinkmanship, underscoring the fragile balance in the region.
