Iran on Friday warned that any US intervention in its internal affairs could destabilise the entire region after President Donald Trump threatened action in response to ongoing protests in the country.
President Trump said in a post on his social media platform Truth Social that if Iran’s government used violence against peaceful demonstrators, the United States would come to their aid. He said Washington was prepared to act if necessary.
Reacting to Trump’s remarks, Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani said American involvement would lead to widespread chaos and damage US interests.
He alleged that the United States and Israel were fuelling the protests, though he offered no evidence to support the claim.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s adviser, Ali Shamkhani, also warned that any threat to Iran’s security would be met with a strong response.
Protests that began on Sunday have since spread to several provinces. At least seven people have reportedly been killed in clashes between security forces and demonstrators.
The unrest has been driven by public anger over worsening economic conditions, a sharp fall in the national currency, high inflation and weak economic growth. Official figures show inflation climbed to 42.5% in December.
The protests began in Tehran, where shopkeepers took to the streets, followed by students from at least 10 universities.
Markets remained closed in several cities, while severe cold weather and government-declared holidays disrupted daily life across parts of the country.
In the past 24 hours, demonstrations expanded further, with some turning violent. Semi-official Fars News Agency reported that protesters pelted police with stones and set vehicles on fire.
Authorities said armed elements attempted to exploit the situation and claimed weapons were recovered from several individuals.
Iran’s civilian government, led by President Masoud Pezeshkian, has indicated readiness to hold talks with protesters.
However, continued US and Western sanctions over Iran’s nuclear programme, along with heightened regional tensions, are adding pressure to the country’s struggling economy.
