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Ex-President Trump has warned of involvement in the Islamic Republic should its government harm demonstrators, prompting cautionary statements from senior Iranian officials that any American interference would overstep a definitive limit.

A Social Media Post Escalates Diplomatic Strain

In a public declaration on Friday, Trump stated that if the country were to shoot and kill demonstrators, the US would “come to their rescue”. He noted, “we are locked and loaded, and ready to go,” without explaining what that would involve in practice.

Protests Enter the Sixth Day Amid Financial Crisis

Protests in Iran are now in their sixth day, constituting the most significant since 2022. The current unrest were catalyzed by an unprecedented decline in the Iranian rial on Sunday, with its value dropping to about a record depreciation, intensifying an precarious economic situation.

Seven people have been confirmed dead, among them a volunteer for the state-affiliated group. Footage circulate showing law enforcement armed with firearms, with the sound of shooting heard in the recordings.

National Leaders Issue Strong Rebukes

Reacting to the statement, an official, adviser to the supreme leader, warned that internal matters were a “definitive boundary, not a subject for reckless social media posts”.

“Any intervening hand targeting Iran security on false pretenses will be met with a swift consequence,” the official said.

A separate high-ranking figure, a key security official, accused the foreign powers of having a hand in the protests, a frequent accusation by Tehran when addressing domestic dissent.

“Trump must realize that US intervention in this domestic matter will lead to destabilisation of the entire area and the damage to Washington's stakes,” the official stated. “The American people must know that Trump is the one that began this escalation, and they should pay attention to the well-being of their soldiers.”

Context of Conflict and Demonstration Scope

Iran has previously warned against US troops stationed in the region in the before, and in recent months it attacked a facility in the Gulf after the American attacks on related infrastructure.

The ongoing demonstrations have occurred in the capital but have also spread to other cities, such as Isfahan. Merchants have gone on strike in solidarity, and students have gathered on university grounds. Though the currency crisis are the primary complaint, protesters have also chanted political demands and condemned what they said was failures by officials.

Presidential Response Changes

The head of state, the president, first called for protest leaders, adopting a more conciliatory tone than authorities did during the 2022 protests, which were met with force. The president said that he had ordered the government to listen to the people's valid concerns.

The recent deaths of protesters, however, could signal that authorities are adopting a tougher stance as they address the protests as they continue. A announcement from the state security apparatus on recently warned that it would take a harsh line against any outside meddling or “unrest” in the country.

While Tehran grapple with protests at home, it has tried to stave off allegations from the US that it is reconstituting its atomic ambitions. Iran has claimed that it is no longer enriching uranium anywhere in the country and has indicated it is ready for dialogue with the international community.