Trump Warns US Intervention in Iran Protests Could Be "Irresponsible"

Protests in Iran and Government Response

Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has labeled statements made by Donald Trump as "irresponsible and dangerous" after the American president warned that the US might intervene if peaceful protesters are killed. Trump indicated on social media that Washington "will come to the aid" of demonstrators involved in protests against Iran's economy, adding that "we are ready to act."

Araghchi emphasized that Iran's armed forces are on alert and "know exactly where to target" in the event of an attack. As of Saturday morning, at least eight people have been reported dead during the week-long protests.

Trump declared on Friday, "If Iran shoots and kills peaceful protesters, as they are accustomed to doing, the United States of America will come to their aid." While he did not specify what actions Washington would take, it is noted that previously the US has conducted attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, which have resulted in retaliation against an American base in Qatar.

Araghchi pointed out that, considering the deployment of the National Guard by President Trump within US borders, he should understand that criminal attacks on public property cannot be tolerated. Furthermore, Iran will "firmly reject any interference in its internal affairs."

On Saturday, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, addressed the wave of protests, stating that "provocateurs must be brought to justice." He acknowledged that the initial protests started by merchants, resulting from the collapse of currency exchange rates, are "legitimate," but claimed that "enemies are exploiting the situation to shout anti-government slogans."

The protests have spread across multiple cities and towns, with clashes reported between security forces and demonstrators. On Saturday, state-affiliated news agencies Mehr and Fars reported that two protesters and one member of the security forces were killed in Malekshahi when protesters attempted to storm a police station.

The European Union expressed concern over reports of fatalities and urged Tehran to demonstrate "the utmost restraint" towards protesters, as well as to respect their rights to "freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly." The protests began in Tehran, where merchants were furious about yet another sudden drop in the value of the Iranian rial against the US dollar.

By Tuesday, university students became involved, and protests extended into more cities, with citizens shouting against the religious leaders of the country. Namerous fatalities have been reported in clashes between protesters and security forces.