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Donald Trump has threatened to intervene in the Islamic Republic if its authorities kill protesters, prompting warnings from Iran's leadership that any involvement from Washington would overstep a definitive limit.

A Social Media Declaration Fuels Tensions

Via a online statement on recently, Trump stated that if the country were to use deadly force against demonstrators, the US would “step in to help”. He noted, “our response is imminent,” without explaining what that might mean in reality.

Protests Enter the Next Phase Against a Backdrop of Economic Crisis

Public unrest are now in their second week, representing the largest since 2022. The current unrest were catalyzed by an sharp drop in the country's money on Sunday, with its value plummeting to about 1.4m to the US dollar, intensifying an existing financial crisis.

Several citizens have been confirmed dead, among them a volunteer for the paramilitary organization. Recordings circulate showing security forces armed with firearms, with the noise of discharges heard in the background.

Tehran's Authorities Issue Firm Rebukes

Addressing the statement, Ali Shamkhani, counselor for the supreme leader, warned that Iran’s national security were a “red line, not a subject for reckless social media posts”.

“Any external involvement targeting the country's stability on false pretenses will be met with a regret-inducing response,” Shamkhani posted.

Another senior Iranian official, Ali Larijani, claimed the US and Israel of being involved in the demonstrations, a typical response by officials when addressing protests.

“The US should understand that US intervention in this domestic matter will lead to turmoil in the entire area and the destruction of US assets,” the official stated. “US citizens must know that the former president is the one that started this adventure, and they should consider the security of their soldiers.”

Background of Conflict and Demonstration Nature

Tehran has previously warned against foreign forces deployed in the Middle East in the before, and in recent months it launched strikes on Al-Udeid airbase in the Gulf following the American attacks on Iranian nuclear enrichment sites.

The current protests have taken place in the capital but have also reached other urban centers, such as Isfahan. Business owners have shuttered businesses in solidarity, and activists have gathered on university grounds. Though the currency crisis are the central grievance, demonstrators have also voiced political demands and decried what they said was corruption and mismanagement.

Presidential Response Shifts

The Iranian president, Masoud Pezeshkian, initially invited demonstration organizers, adopting a more conciliatory tone than authorities did during the earlier demonstrations, which were violently suppressed. He said that he had directed the administration to listen to the protesters’ “legitimate demands”.

The loss of life of protesters, however, may indicate that authorities are adopting a tougher stance as they address the protests as they persist. A statement from the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps on Monday stated that it would take a harsh line against any foreign interference or “sedition” in the country.

While Tehran grapple with internal challenges, it has attempted to refute allegations from the US that it is reviving its atomic ambitions. Iran has stated that it is halted enrichment activities at present and has expressed it is ready for dialogue with the international community.