US Warns Iran Amidst Largest Protests in Three Years Triggered by Rial Collapse
Protests have erupted across Iran, including in Tehran, marking the largest demonstrations in over three years. The unrest, sparked by the sharp depreciation of the rial to about 1.4 million rials per US dollar, has resulted in at least seven fatalities. These protests, now in their sixth day, are the biggest since the 2022 Mahsa Amini death but remain less intense and not countrywide.
Amid the turmoil, former US President Donald Trump stated on Truth Social that the United States is "locked and loaded" and ready to intervene if Iran harms protesters, pledging to rescue those involved.
Iran's reformist government, led by President Masoud Pezeshkian, has shown willingness to negotiate with protesters; however, the severe currency depreciation limits their ability to address the crisis.
Regional tensions remain high following Iran's missile launch attacks on the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar last June. These launches were reportedly retaliations for US strikes on three nuclear sites during Israel's 12-day war in the same month.
Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, warned that US interference would destabilize the region further and damage US interests.
