President Donald Trump has cautioned Iranian officials against harming peaceful demonstrators, stating that the U.S. “will come to their rescue.”
In a brief social media update, he mentioned that “we are locked and loaded and ready to go,” but did not provide additional information.
A senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, responded by advising Trump to “be careful” if he chooses to intervene, warning that it could lead to chaos throughout the Middle East.
Reports indicate that at least eight individuals have been killed in Iran following nearly a week of widespread protests triggered by deteriorating economic conditions.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated: “If Iran shoots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue.”
However, Trump did not clarify what actions the U.S. might take against the Iranian government.
In June, the U.S. conducted strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities under Trump’s directive. American officials later claimed that these strikes had significantly hindered Tehran’s ability to develop nuclear weapons, a claim that Iran disputes.
In retaliation, Iran launched a missile attack on a significant U.S. military base in Qatar.
Following Trump’s recent social media statement, Khamenei’s adviser, Ali Larijani, issued a warning of his own, stating that U.S. interference in Iran’s internal affairs could destabilize the entire region and jeopardize American interests.
Nevertheless, some protesters expressed that they would welcome U.S. intervention.
A young woman protesting in Tehran, who wished to remain anonymous for her safety, remarked that the security forces are intimidated by statements from Trump or Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
She noted that protesters have been seeking U.S. support for years, believing that if Trump makes a statement, he will act on it, and that the security forces “know if anything happens, they would have to face the consequences.”
Footage online shows protests occurring in Iran’s Lorestan province outside a police station.
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On Thursday, reports indicated that six individuals were killed during the fifth day of protests.
According to human rights group Hengaw, two people died in confrontations between protesters and security forces in the southwestern city of Lordegan, identified as Ahmad Jalil and Sajjad Valamanesh.
Three fatalities were reported in Azna and one in Kouhdasht, all located in western Iran, though it was unclear whether these individuals were demonstrators or security personnel.
Additionally, one death was reported in Fuladshahr, central Iran, and another in Marvdasht, in the southern region.
Journalists have been unable to independently verify these reports of fatalities.
Videos shared on social media depicted cars being set on fire during the protests.
