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Ex-President Trump has warned of involvement in the Islamic Republic if its authorities use lethal force against demonstrators, prompting admonishments from high-ranking figures in Tehran that any American interference would overstep a definitive limit.

An Online Statement Ignites Tensions

Through a online statement on Friday, the former president declared that if Iran were to shoot and kill protesters, the United States would “intervene on their behalf”. He noted, “we are locked and loaded, and ready to go,” without explaining what that could entail in actual terms.

Unrest Continue into the Next Phase Against a Backdrop of Financial Strain

Demonstrations across the nation are now in their second week, constituting the most significant since 2022. The ongoing protests were triggered by an sharp drop in the country's money on recently, with its worth falling to about a record depreciation, intensifying an existing financial crisis.

Several citizens have been reported killed, among them a member of the state-affiliated group. Videos circulate showing officials armed with firearms, with the audio of gunfire audible in the video.

Iranian Officials Issue Firm Responses

In response to Trump’s threat, an official, counselor for the country's highest authority, warned that internal matters were a “non-negotiable limit, not material for online provocations”.

“Any intervening hand targeting Iran security on any excuse will be met with a regret-inducing response,” Shamkhani posted.

Another leader, a key security official, accused the foreign powers of being involved in the protests, a typical response by officials when addressing protests.

“The US should understand that foreign interference in this internal issue will lead to turmoil in the whole region and the harm to US assets,” Larijani wrote. “The American people must know that the former president is the one that started this adventure, and they should be concerned for the well-being of their soldiers.”

Recent History of Strain and Protest Scope

Tehran has previously warned against US troops based in the Middle East in the before, and in recent months it launched strikes on a facility in Qatar after the US struck Iranian nuclear enrichment sites.

The present unrest have been centered in the capital but have also reached other cities, such as a major city. Merchants have closed their stores in solidarity, and students have taken over university grounds. While economic conditions are the primary complaint, protesters have also chanted anti-government slogans and condemned what they said was graft and poor governance.

Official Stance Changes

The head of state, Masoud Pezeshkian, offered talks with representatives, taking a less confrontational approach than the government did during the 2022 protests, which were put down harshly. The president noted that he had ordered the government to listen to the protesters’ “legitimate demands”.

The fatalities of demonstrators, however, could signal that authorities are adopting a tougher stance as they address the protests as they continue. A communiqué from the state security apparatus on recently cautioned that it would respond forcefully against any foreign interference or “sedition” in the country.

While the government deal with internal challenges, it has tried to stave off accusations from the US that it is reviving its nuclear activities. Tehran has said that it is ceased such work anywhere in the country and has indicated it is open for talks with the international community.