Protests have taken place in several Iranian cities since December 28, with participants expressing concerns about economic conditions and government policies. Local media have reported multiple deaths during the demonstrations.
On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the United States was “locked and loaded” and prepared to respond if Iranian authorities used lethal force against protesters. His comments followed earlier statements in which he said he would support potential Israeli action against Iran if the country reestablished nuclear capabilities.
“If Iran shoots and violently kills peaceful protesters, the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
In response, Ali Shamkhani, a political adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, cautioned against U.S. involvement.
“The people of Iran are familiar with past U.S. interventions. Any action presented as protecting security that interferes in Iranian affairs will face a response. Iran’s national security is a red line,” Shamkhani wrote on X.
Authorities in Iran have not publicly confirmed the precise number of casualties linked to the protests, and information continues to emerge as events develop.