US, Iran in verbal duel over violent protests

President Donald Trump on Friday issued a stark warning to Iran, declaring that the United States was "locked and loaded" to intervene if Iranian security forces killed protesters, drawing swift condemnation from Tehran.

As Iran grappled with a nationwide unrest erupted over the country's worsening economic crisis, Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform, said the US would "come to the rescue" of demonstrators if they were violently attacked.

His remarks came amid the largest wave of unrest in Iran in three years, which has already claimed at least six lives and spread across at least 20 cities, mostly in the western provinces. The president framed the protests as a response to soaring inflation and economic stagnation.

The threat drew swift condemnation from Tehran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the comments as "reckless and dangerous," warning that any interference would destabilise the region.

Ali Larijani, head of Iran's National Security Council and top adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, cautioned that US intervention would endanger American troops and interests. Ali Shamkhani, another senior adviser to Khamenei, stressed that Iran's security was a "red line" that would trigger a response if breached.

The protests were sparked by Iran's faltering economy, with inflation officially above 36% and the national currency plummeting following partial deregulation of currency exchange.

Economic grievances have translated into wider civic unrest, including strikes by shopkeepers in Tehran and demonstrations across western cities. Social media footage showed crowds gathered outside a burning police station, with gunfire occasionally heard and slogans such as "shameless" directed at authorities.

President Masoud Pezeshkian adopted a conciliatory tone, acknowledging governmental failings and promising dialogue with protest leaders. "We are to blame... Do not look for America or anyone else to blame. We must serve properly so that people are satisfied with us," Pezeshkian said, highlighting efforts to address the cost-of-living crisis.

Authorities have simultaneously signalled a firm stance against illegal activity. Said Montazeralmahdi, a police spokesman, said security forces understood the legitimate economic and civic demands of protesters but would not tolerate chaos or actions intended to destabilise public order.

In Lorestan province, the judiciary warned that participation in unlawful gatherings or violent acts would be met with the "greatest firmness."

Regional context

Iran's unrest is further complicated by external pressures. The country's economy and regional influence have been weakened by Western sanctions, recent Israeli and US airstrikes on its nuclear facilities and allies, and military setbacks in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza.

Human rights organisations report arrests in western provinces, including Kurdish and Baluch minorities, with Hengaw noting at least 29 detainees linked to the protests.

In Zahedan, members of Iran's Baluch community reportedly chanted slogans such as "Death to the dictator". State media confirmed some deaths in Lordegan and Kuhdasht, while reports from Fars province remain contested.

The United Nations and rights advocates, including UN human rights chief Volker Turk, have urged Iran to respect freedoms of expression, assembly, and association, calling for restraint and protection of civilians.