Trump Warns Iran as Protests Rage, Says US ‘Ready to Act’ if Demonstrators Are Killed

Former US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States military is “ready to go” should Iranian authorities violently kill protesters, as nationwide demonstrations in Iran entered their fifth day.

The protests, triggered by rising living costs and a sharply depreciating currency, have spread across several Iranian cities. At least five people have reportedly been killed during clashes with security forces, who are said to have used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse crowds.

Trump issued the warning via his Truth Social platform, stating that the US would intervene if peaceful protesters were violently killed by Iranian authorities. He said the United States was “locked and loaded” and prepared to act.

Demonstrators in multiple cities have openly called for an end to Iran’s supreme leadership, with some demanding the restoration of the monarchy. Videos circulating on social media show crowds marching through Tehran chanting slogans in support of Reza Shah, the founder of Iran’s former royal dynasty overthrown during the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

The unrest has been described by analysts as one of the most significant waves of protests in Iran in recent years, drawing comparisons to past large-scale uprisings. Observers say the demonstrations are the biggest since the protests that followed the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody in 2022, which were met with widespread crackdowns and internet shutdowns.

In response to the unrest, Iranian authorities shut down schools, universities and other public institutions on Wednesday, while security presence was reinforced around Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, where the protests are believed to have begun. Arrests have been reported in several locations.

Protests have also spread beyond the capital to cities including Isfahan, Yazd, Zanjan and Fasa, with footage showing demonstrators attacking a government building in one of the cities.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Tuesday, December 30, that he had directed the government to listen to the “legitimate demands” of protesters. A government spokesperson also announced plans to establish a dialogue mechanism to engage protest leaders.

Despite these assurances, tensions remain high as the international community closely watches how Iranian authorities will handle the unfolding crisis.