Iranian officials delivered sharp warnings Friday after President Donald Trump threatened American intervention in response to deadly demonstrations, with government leaders cautioning that United States military forces throughout the region could face targeting if Washington interferes in domestic Iranian affairs.
“If Iran shots (sic) and violently 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. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J.TRUMP,” Trump posted on Truth Social Friday.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei responded Saturday, asserting Iran “won’t give in” to adversaries. “We won’t give in to them. With reliance on God & confidence in the people’s support, we’ll bring the enemy to its knees,” he declared on X.
Dozens of demonstrators gathered across multiple Iranian provinces this week, with several protests escalating violently Wednesday following confrontations with law enforcement. The demonstrations represent the most significant unrest since 2022’s nationwide uprising triggered by 22-year-old Mahsa Amini’s death in police custody following her arrest for allegedly improper headscarf wearing.
Shopkeepers, bazaar merchants, and students participated in demonstrations throughout Iranian cities, expressing dissatisfaction with economic conditions as currency values reached historic lows. The State Department expressed concern Wednesday regarding reports of protesters facing “intimidation, violence, and arrests,” urging authorities to cease crackdowns.
“First the bazaars. Then the students. Now the whole country. Iranians are united. Different lives, one demand: respect our voices and our rights,” the State Department posted on its Farsi X account.
Iranian leadership delivered stern warnings against American interference. Ali Larijani, Iran’s national security chief, stated on X that American intervention would trigger “disruption across the entire region and the destruction of American interests.”
Ali Shamkhani, a close Khamenei adviser, declared Iranian national security a “red line.” “Every hand of intervention that approaches Iranian security…will be cut off with a regrettable response,” he posted on X.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s parliament speaker, issued the most explicit threat, warning Tehran would target Middle Eastern US forces should Washington intervene. “The disrespectful President of America should also know that with this official statement, all American centers and forces across the entire region will be legitimate targets for us in response to any potential actions,” Ghalibaf stated.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that armed forces “are on standby and know exactly where to aim” if sovereignty faces threats. The foreign ministry separately called Washington’s threat an international law violation, promising “decisive and comprehensive” response to any aggression.
American officials indicated Trump intended sending a “strong warning” to Iran with his intervention suggestion. However, no major regional troop level changes have occurred and no direct action has been implemented.
“At this point it was a strong warning, no action has been taken that I’m aware of,” a White House official confirmed. US Central Command declined commenting.
Ali Vaez, International Crisis Group’s Iran Project director, noted Trump’s threats create a “stark strategic dilemma” for Washington. “If the US fails to follow through, it risks emboldening the regime and discouraging future dissent, yet meaningful intervention could escalate into a broader conflict with unpredictable consequences for both the United States and the Iranian people.”
Friday protests continued in Tehran, where dozens chanted anti-regime slogans. IranWire video showed groups yelling “Freedom, freedom, freedom” while marching through the capital. Others chanted “Down with dictator” at Narmak neighborhood gatherings.
Security forces responded forcefully in some instances. In Narmak, uniformed personnel dragged a woman from the street. Cities like Yasuj experienced loud bangs as authorities attempted dispersing crowds.
Thursday evening, at least three people died and 17 sustained injuries when protesters stormed an Azna police station in western Lorestan province, according to state-affiliated Fars News Agency. Demonstrators clashed with police, threw stones at officers, and set vehicles ablaze.
Thursday morning, at least two people died when dozens clashed with police in Lordegan county of southwest Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province. Wednesday night marked the first known protest-related death—one Basij paramilitary force member killed and 13 injured in Kuhdasht, Lorestan province.
Authorities arrested approximately 20 people in Kuhdasht and 30 in Tehran province’s Malard county for “disrupting public disorder.”
Despite remaining relatively limited, these protests represent another chapter in mounting Iranian discontent as populations quietly reclaim public spaces and personal freedoms through defiant acts.
Motorists across the United States are poised to experience significant savings at fuel pumps…
Many men harbor significant anxiety about whether bicycle riding could negatively impact their prostate health…
A Paris tribunal delivered guilty verdicts Monday against ten individuals involved in a cyber-harassment…
Pharmaceutical manufacturer Novo Nordisk announced Monday that its widely-used weight-loss medication Wegovy is now…
The technology sector faces a pivotal uncertainty: what is the actual lifespan of the…
The United States government unveiled a comprehensive early-career recruitment program Monday aimed at attracting…