US President Donald Trump has warned Iran that the United States is ready to act if the Iranian government continues to use force against protesters.
Trump issued the warning early Friday in a post on his Truth Social platform. He said the US is “locked and loaded” and prepared to intervene.
“If Iran shoots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue,” the president wrote.
The warning comes amid growing unrest across Iran.
Protests that began as a strike by traders at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar have spread nationwide.
Demonstrators are angry over a worsening economy.
Iran’s currency has fallen to record lows, while inflation is reported to be above 50 percent.
Human rights groups and Iranian media say at least seven people have been killed in clashes with security forces since the protests began on Sunday.
Demonstrations have been reported in at least 17 provinces.
Some of the worst violence has occurred in Lorestan and Isfahan.
Iranian officials have rejected Trump’s comments.
Senior adviser to the Supreme Leader, Ali Larijani, warned that any US interference would damage American interests and destabilise the Middle East.
The White House has not explained what action it might take.
However, Trump’s remarks signal a sharp escalation in his administration’s maximum pressure campaign against Tehran.
