Amid ongoing protests in Iran, a senior adviser to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei issued a sharp warning on Friday in response to US President Donald Trump’s recent threat of intervention.
Trump’s Warning
President Trump had posted on Truth Social that the US is “locked and loaded and ready to go” if Iran uses lethal force against peaceful protesters. The warning came after at least seven people were killed in clashes between security forces and demonstrators, amid protests over economic hardships and high inflation.
Iran’s Retort
The adviser said that any US interference would lead to “chaos and destruction” across the region, stressing that external meddling would exacerbate instability.
Background of the Protests
- The protests began in Tehran on Sunday, with shopkeepers taking to the streets to condemn the government’s handling of a sharp fall in the national currency, weak economic growth, and rising prices. Inflation reportedly reached 42.5% in December.
- Student demonstrations from at least ten universities intensified the unrest. Markets closed in several cities, and a public holiday was declared due to cold weather, bringing daily life to a near halt.
- Some clashes turned violent, with protesters reportedly throwing stones at police and torching vehicles. Authorities also seized firearms from several individuals allegedly exploiting the unrest.
Government Response
The civilian government, led by President Masoud Pezeshkian, has expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with protestors, while the Supreme Leader’s office emphasized that foreign interference would be unacceptable.
The protests reflect growing public anger over economic stagnation, inflation, and ongoing regional tensions following US and Western sanctions and recent conflicts with Israel.