Key Takeaways
- The US President has warned Iran against killing peaceful protesters, stating that the US will intervene if necessary
- At least six people have been reported killed in Iran during the protests, which were sparked by worsening economic conditions
- A senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader has warned the US against interfering, stating that it would destabilize the region
- The protests in Iran have been the most widespread since 2022, with many calling for the end of the current regime and some demanding a return to the monarchy
- The US has a history of intervening in Iran, including carrying out strikes against Iran’s nuclear sites in June
Introduction to the Protests
The situation in Iran has taken a turn for the worse, with protests erupting across the country over worsening economic conditions. The protests, which began on Sunday, have resulted in the deaths of at least six people, according to reports. The US President has weighed in on the situation, warning Iran’s authorities against killing peaceful protesters and stating that the US will intervene if necessary. In a post on social media, the President wrote: "If Iran shots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue." This statement has been met with a warning from a senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, who stated that any US interference would destabilize the region.
The US Warning
The US President’s warning to Iran has been met with a mix of skepticism and concern. While some have praised the President for standing up for human rights and democracy, others have questioned the wisdom of intervening in Iran’s internal affairs. The President’s post did not specify what action the US could take against the Iranian authorities, but it is likely that any intervention would be met with significant resistance from Iran. The US has a history of intervening in Iran, including carrying out strikes against Iran’s nuclear sites in June. These strikes were carried out on the President’s orders and were reportedly aimed at setting back Iran’s nuclear program. However, the effectiveness of these strikes has been disputed by Iran, and they have been met with retaliation, including a missile attack on a major US military base in Qatar.
The Iranian Response
The Iranian government has responded to the US warning with a mixture of defiance and caution. A senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned the US against interfering in Iran’s internal affairs, stating that it would destabilize the region. The adviser, Ali Larijani, wrote: "Trump should know that US interference in this internal matter would mean destabilising the entire region and destroying America’s interests." This warning has been echoed by other Iranian officials, who have stated that the protests are an internal matter and that the US should not interfere. However, the Iranian government has also taken steps to address the protesters’ concerns, with President Masoud Pezeshkian stating that he will listen to the "legitimate demands" of the protesters.
The Protests
The protests in Iran have been the most widespread since 2022, when an uprising was sparked by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, a young woman accused by morality police of not wearing her veil properly. The current protests were sparked by a sharp fall in the value of the Iranian currency, the rial, against the US dollar on the open market. The protests began on Sunday in Tehran among shopkeepers and have since spread to several cities, with people chanting against the country’s clerical rulers. Many protesters have been calling for the end of Khamenei’s rule, with some demanding a return to the monarchy. The protests have been marked by violence, with footage showing cars set on fire during running battles between protesters and security forces.
The Human Cost
The human cost of the protests has been significant, with at least six people reported killed and many more injured. The deaths have been reported in several cities, including Lordegan, Azna, and Kouhdasht. The semi-official Fars news agency and the human rights group Hengaw have reported that two people were killed in clashes between protesters and security forces in Lordegan. The BBC has not been able to independently verify the deaths, but footage posted on social media has shown the violence and chaos that has erupted during the protests. The Iranian government has warned that any attempt to create instability would be met with a "decisive response", and the Prosecutor-General, Mohammad Movahedi-Azad, has stated that the government will not tolerate any attempts to destabilize the country.
Conclusion
The situation in Iran is complex and volatile, with the US warning against killing peaceful protesters and the Iranian government warning against interference. The protests have been sparked by worsening economic conditions and have resulted in the deaths of at least six people. The US has a history of intervening in Iran, and any intervention would likely be met with significant resistance. The Iranian government has taken steps to address the protesters’ concerns, but the situation remains tense and unpredictable. As the situation continues to unfold, it is likely that the US and Iran will continue to exchange warnings and threats, with the potential for further escalation and violence.