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President Donald Trump warned earlier Friday that the US would intervene if Iran started killing protesters.
Writing on Truth Social, the president said that if Iran shoots and “brutally kills peaceful protesters, which is their practice, the United States of America will help them.”
“We’re locked and loaded and ready to go,” Trump said.
Trump’s warning comes as protests fueled by Iran’s economic meltdown grow beyond the capital and raise concerns about a potential crackdown on security forces. At least seven people – including protesters and members of Iran’s security forces – were reported dead during the clashes, according to an international report.
IRANIAN PROTESTERS CLASH WITH SECURITY FORCES AS EMPTY GAZETTE FILLS THE STREETS OF TEHRAN BETWEEN NATION’S STICKS.
US President Donald Trump listens during the Mexico Defense Medal presentation ceremony in the Oval Office of the White House on December 15, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Some of the worst violence has been reported in western Iran, where videos circulating online appeared to show street fires and the sound of gunfire during nighttime protests.
Protesters march in the city of Tehran, Iran, on Monday, December 29, 2025. (Fars News Agency via AP)
The unrest marks Iran’s most significant protests since 2022, when the death of Mahsa Amini, 22, in police custody sparked protests across the country. Officials say the current protests have not reached the same scale or intensity, but have spread to many regions and include chants directed at Iran’s theocratic leadership.
Iran’s civilian government under revolutionary President Masoud Pezeshkian has shown a willingness to meet with protesters, but the administration faces limited options as the country’s economy continues to falter. Iran’s currency has fallen sharply, with nearly 1.4 million rials now needed to buy one US dollar, fueling public anger and eroding trust in the government.
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State television reported the arrest of several people suspected of exploiting the unrest, including people it described as kingpins and others suspected of links to European groups. Authorities also said security forces seized smuggled weapons during related operations, although details remain limited.
Protests in Iran are forcing a nationwide shutdown as President Masoud Pezeshkian closes businesses and offices in 21 provinces amid growing public anger. (MEK/ People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran)
The protests come amid heightened tensions following a 12-day war with Israel in June, when the United States bombed Iran’s nuclear facilities. Iranian officials have since said the country is no longer burning uranium, trying to signal an openness to renewed talks on its nuclear program to ease sanctions.
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However, talks will continue, as both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have warned Tehran against revitalizing its nuclear program – adding pressure on Iran’s leadership as the protests continue.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
