Iranian Officials Warn Trump Over Potential US Intervention Amid Widespread Protests
On January 2, 2026, protests in Iran entered their sixth day, marking the largest demonstrations since 2022. Sparked by a currency collapse, with the rial dropping to around 1.4 million per US dollar, the unrest has spread beyond Tehran to cities like Isfahan. Shopkeepers have closed stores and students have occupied campuses. Seven people have been killed, including a Basij volunteer, amid reports of security forces using shotguns.
President Masoud Pezeshkian has adopted a less confrontational approach than in 2022, inviting protest leaders to talks and instructing the government to listen to legitimate demands. Meanwhile, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps has warned of a harsh response to any foreign interference or sedition.
In a significant development, former US President Donald Trump posted that the US would come to the rescue of Iranian protesters and stated that the US is "locked and loaded," signaling potential intervention. This prompted Iranian officials to issue stern warnings. Ali Shamkhani, adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, cautioned that any foreign intervention would cross a red line and could trigger a regrettable response.
Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, accused the US and Israel of involvement in the demonstrations and warned that US intervention would destabilize the region and harm American interests. He emphasized that Trump had initiated this dangerous course.
In terms of nuclear policy, Iran announced that it is no longer enriching uranium anywhere and remains open to negotiations with the West.
