At a Glance
- Trump vows US action if Iran kills peaceful protesters.
- At least seven deaths reported amid escalating violence.
- Iranian officials warn US intervention would spark regional chaos.
- Why it matters: US involvement could heighten tensions in the Middle East.
The United States and Iran are on a collision course as President Trump threatens military action if the Islamic Republic kills or violently kills peaceful demonstrators, while Iranian officials warn that any US intervention would trigger regional chaos and make American forces legitimate targets.
Trump’s Threat and Iranian Response
President Trump posted on Truth Social:
> “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 that any intervention would be cut off before it could act.
- Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Parliament Speaker, said Trump’s threat makes all American bases across the region legitimate targets.
Protests Turn Violent
Protests erupted Sunday in Tehran, driven by economic grievances after the rial hit a record low and prices surged. The crowds moved to smaller cities, adopting political slogans against the clerical regime and Supreme Leader Khamenei. The unrest has been fueled by years of sanctions, a 12-day war with Israel, US attacks on nuclear sites, and a water crisis.
Fatalities reported Thursday:
- Azna, Lorestan – 3 protesters killed.
- Marvdasht, Fars – 1 person killed by security forces.
- Lordegan, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari – 2 killed by security forces.
- Fuladshahr, Isfahan – 1 killed by security forces.
- Kuhdasht, Lorestan – 1 Basij member killed in a clash with protesters.
Government and International Reactions
President Masoud Pezeshkian signals a willingness to negotiate and acknowledges protesters’ legitimate demands. The government declared a public holiday on Wednesday, citing cold weather, creating a four-day break that includes the Imam Ali birthday on Saturday. Security forces are expected to mobilize in large numbers on Saturday, the anniversary of the killing of General Qassem Soleimani by a US drone strike in 2020.
Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida earlier in the week and warned that Iran may be rebuilding nuclear sites after the US struck three of them last year. Pezeshkian said the country’s response to any aggressive action would be harsh and regrettable. Trump’s Saturday night address confirmed that the US had “totally obliterated” three Iranian nuclear sites and called on Iran’s Supreme Leader to “make peace” or face further military action.
Key Takeaways
- Trump has pledged US intervention if Iran kills peaceful protesters.
- At least seven deaths have been reported in escalating violence.
- Iranian officials warn that US action would spark regional chaos.
The situation remains volatile, with the Iranian government balancing a crackdown against a growing wave of political dissent and the United States preparing to enforce its threat of military action.
