US President Donald Trump warned Iran against killing protesters during nationwide demonstrations. He said the United States would respond if violence escalates. The warning followed reports of multiple protester deaths.
Trump issued the warning on his Truth Social platform on Friday. He said the US was “locked and loaded” to act quickly. Therefore, he accused Iran of routinely using force against peaceful protesters.
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Meanwhile, protests erupted over rising living costs and economic stagnation. Shopkeepers in Tehran launched strikes earlier this week. Soon after, demonstrations spread to several other Iranian cities.
Iranian media reported deadly clashes between protesters and security forces. Two people died in Lordegan and three in Azna. State television also confirmed one security force member was killed.
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However, the unrest remains smaller than the 2022 nationwide protests. Those protests followed Mahsa Amini’s death in custody. Hundreds were killed during that earlier wave of demonstrations.