US-Iran Tensions Rise as Leaders Trade Threats Over Protests

DUBAI – U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian officials exchanged strong warnings as protests swept across Iran. At least eight people have died in the demonstrations, which began partly due to the collapse of Iran’s rial. Crowds also voiced anti-government slogans. The protests mark the largest unrest in Iran since 2022, though they remain less widespread than the demonstrations following Mahsa Amini’s death.

Trump posted on Truth Social that the United States would protect peaceful protesters if Iran used violence. He wrote, “We are locked and loaded and ready to go,” without providing further details. Iran’s former parliament speaker Ali Larijani responded, accusing the U.S. and Israel of stoking unrest. Larijani warned that American intervention would harm regional stability and U.S. interests.

Iran’s envoy to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, urged the U.N. to condemn Trump’s statements. He said the United States bears full responsibility for any consequences from its threats. Ali Shamkhani, adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, warned that any intervention near Iran’s security would be met with force. Tehran stressed its right to defend sovereignty and protect its citizens against foreign interference.

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Protests continued in more than 100 locations across 22 provinces, though life largely remained normal in Tehran. Demonstrators marched in Zahedan and other cities, and funerals for victims sparked further marches. Videos showed mourners confronting security forces during burials, including for 21-year-old Amirhessam Khodayari. Authorities’ claims about his service in the Basij paramilitary faced public questioning.

Economic grievances drive much of the unrest, including the rial’s rapid depreciation to 1.4 million per U.S. dollar. Protesters also criticized Iran’s theocratic system. Meanwhile, the civilian government under President Masoud Pezeshkian signals willingness to negotiate, though few solutions have emerged. Iran recently suspended uranium enrichment at all sites to show openness to talks, but negotiations have not yet occurred amid ongoing U.S. and Israeli pressure.