Six people died in unrest linked to Iran’s economic crisis; Trump threatens to intervene; Araghchi and top Khamenei aides criticize US
A UGC screenshot posted on social media shows protesters attacking a government building in Fasa, southern Iran. Photo: AFP
WASHINGTON/TEHRAN:
President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Iran on Friday, saying the United States was “locked and charged” to intervene if Iranian security forces killed protesters, drawing swift condemnation from Tehran.
As Iran grapples with nationwide unrest sparked by the country’s deepening economic crisis, Trump, in a message on his Truth Social platform, said the United States would “come to the rescue” of protesters if they were violently attacked.
His remarks came amid Iran’s biggest wave of unrest in three years, which has already left at least six people dead and spread to at least 20 cities, mainly in the western provinces. The president framed the protests as a response to rising inflation and economic stagnation.
This threat was quickly condemned by Tehran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the comments “reckless and dangerous,” warning that any interference would destabilize the region.
Ali Larijani, head of Iran’s National Security Council and top adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned that U.S. intervention would endanger U.S. troops and interests. Ali Shamkhani, another senior adviser to Khamenei, stressed that Iran’s security constituted a “red line” that would trigger a response if violated.
The protests were sparked by Iran’s faltering economy, with inflation officially above 36% and a national currency in freefall following partial deregulation of foreign exchange.
Economic grievances have translated into broader civic unrest, including merchant strikes in Tehran and protests in Western cities. Images posted on social media showed crowds gathered in front of a burning police station, with gunshots sometimes heard and slogans such as “shameless” addressed to the authorities.
President Masoud Pezeshkian adopted a conciliatory tone, acknowledging the government’s failures and promising dialogue with protest leaders. “We are responsible… Don’t blame America or anyone else. We must serve properly so that people are happy with us,” Pezeshkian said, highlighting efforts to address the cost of living crisis.
The authorities have simultaneously displayed a strong stance against illegal activities. Saïd Montazeralmahdi, a police spokesman, said security forces understood the protesters’ legitimate economic and civic demands but would not tolerate chaos or actions aimed at destabilizing public order.
In Lorestan province, the judiciary warned that participation in illegal gatherings or acts of violence would be met with “the greatest firmness”.
Regional context
The unrest in Iran is further complicated by external pressures. The country’s economy and regional influence have been weakened by Western sanctions, recent Israeli and US airstrikes on its nuclear facilities and allies, and military setbacks in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza.
Human rights organizations report arrests in the western provinces, particularly among the Kurdish and Baloch minorities, with Hengaw reporting at least 29 detainees linked to the protests.
In Zahedan, members of Iran’s Baloch community reportedly chanted slogans such as “Death to the dictator.” State media have confirmed some deaths in Lordegan and Kuhdasht, while reports from Fars province remain disputed.
The United Nations and human rights advocates, including U.N. human rights chief Volker Turk, have urged Iran to respect freedoms of expression, assembly and association, calling for restraint and protection of civilians.
