Trump Vows to Intervene if Iran Targets Protesters Amid Unrest

President Donald Trump has warned that the United States is prepared to intervene if Iranian authorities use lethal force against protesters, following violent clashes over economic conditions in the country.

The unrest erupted as shopkeepers and traders in Tehran staged strikes on December 29, 2025, protesting soaring prices and the sharp devaluation of Iran’s currency, which has fallen to approximately 1.42 million rials per US dollar on the unofficial market—up from 820,000 rials a year ago. The euro has similarly surged, nearing 1.7 million rials.

The demonstrations quickly spread to other cities, resulting in deadly confrontations between protesters and security forces. Reports indicate at least six deaths, with two in Lordegan, three in Azna, and one security officer in Kouhdasht. These are the first fatalities since the protests escalated earlier this week.

Speaking on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated, “If Iran shoots 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.”

The current protests are smaller than the major nationwide unrest in 2022, which followed the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, a young woman detained over alleged violations of Iran’s strict dress code for women. Her death ignited widespread demonstrations that resulted in hundreds of fatalities, including members of the security forces.

The latest unrest underscores ongoing economic frustrations in Iran, as citizens grapple with high inflation, currency instability, and stagnating living conditions.