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Donald Trump has warned of involvement in Iran if its government harm protesters, prompting admonishments from high-ranking figures in Tehran that any US intervention would cross a “red line”.

A Public Post Ignites Diplomatic Strain

Via a online statement on Friday, Trump stated that if the country were to shoot and kill demonstrators, the US would “come to their rescue”. He added, “our response is imminent,” without clarifying what that could entail in reality.

Protests Continue into the New Week Amid Economic Crisis

Public unrest are now in their sixth day, marking the most significant since 2022. The ongoing protests were sparked by an sharp drop in the country's money on Sunday, with its worth plummeting to about a record depreciation, intensifying an existing financial crisis.

Seven people have been reported killed, including a volunteer for the state-affiliated group. Footage have shown officials carrying shotguns, with the sound of shooting audible in the recordings.

Tehran's Officials Issue Firm Responses

Reacting to the intervention warning, an official, counselor for the supreme leader, cautioned that Iran’s national security were a “red line, not material for reckless social media posts”.

“Any intervening hand approaching our national security on pretexts will be cut off with a forceful retaliation,” Shamkhani said.

Another leader, a key security official, alleged the foreign powers of having a hand in the protests, a common refrain by the government when addressing protests.

“Trump must realize that US intervention in this internal issue will lead to turmoil in the whole region and the destruction of American interests,” Larijani declared. “US citizens must know that Trump is the one that initiated this provocation, and they should consider the well-being of their troops.”

Recent History of Conflict and Demonstration Scale

Tehran has previously warned against US troops based in the Middle East in the past, and in June it launched strikes on Al-Udeid airbase in Qatar after the American attacks on its nuclear facilities.

The present unrest have been centered in the capital but have also spread to other cities, such as Isfahan. Merchants have closed their stores in solidarity, and students have gathered on campuses. Though economic conditions are the primary complaint, protesters have also voiced political demands and criticized what they said was graft and poor governance.

Presidential Approach Shifts

The head of state, the president, initially invited representatives, adopting a less confrontational approach than authorities did during the 2022 protests, which were put down harshly. The president noted that he had ordered the government to listen to the demonstrators' core grievances.

The recent deaths of protesters, however, could signal that officials are taking a harder line as they address the protests as they continue. A statement from the powerful military force on Monday warned that it would act decisively against any outside meddling or “unrest” in the country.

As the government grapple with internal challenges, it has attempted to refute allegations from the US that it is rebuilding its nuclear activities. Tehran has stated that it is halted enrichment activities at present and has signaled it is ready for dialogue with the west.