Trump’s Stance on Iranian Protests
President Donald Trump expressed on Friday via his Truth Social platform that the U.S. is prepared to step in to support Iranian protesters if the government resorted to violence against them.
This statement came as the nation grapples with multiple crises, including prolonged water shortages and escalating protests against the Iranian regime, which began just last week. The Iranian currency, the rial, has plummeted in value, adding to public dissatisfaction. Reports indicate that at least seven individuals lost their lives on Thursday due to state violence, while protests intensified, with demonstrators targeting government institutions and chanting slogans like “Death to the dictator” and “Death to Khamenei.”
“If Iran attacks, it’s in their nature to violently suppress peaceful protesters, but the United States will be there to help,” Trump stated. “We’re locked, loaded, and ready to go. Thank you for your consideration.”
The protests reportedly ignited after the rial dropped to 1.42 million rials per dollar, coinciding with the dismissal of the central bank chief, signaling discontent from Supreme Leader Khamenei regarding his performance. This time, the Iranian regime refrained from shutting down the internet, which is customary during protests, opting instead to close businesses and government offices in various provinces, including Tehran.
Independent news outlet Iran International reported on Thursday that seven protesters were confirmed dead, but protests continue to expand to new locations. The government has reacted by closing businesses under the pretext of energy conservation.
Reports indicated that on Wednesday, over 26 of Iran’s 31 provinces saw government offices shut down, and some universities in Tehran shifted to online classes indefinitely.
The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), associated with the left-leaning People’s Mojahedin Organization (MEK), documented that three unidentified youths were killed during protests on Thursday. They also highlighted an uptick in demonstrators setting government buildings ablaze, including the Basij headquarters in various cities. In turn, state security forces opened fire on protesters in several locales.
Protests are not uncommon in Iran and often turn violent. This week’s demonstrations are the most significant since the protests that followed the tragic death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who was killed by the morality police in 2022 for not adhering to hijab regulations.
The Iranian government responded to Trump’s comments through its Foreign Ministry, which accused him of inciting “foreign interference.” Press Secretary Esmail Bakaei described Trump’s posts as a “blatant violation of the most basic principles of international law” and emphasized that the Iranian people will not accept external interference in their affairs.
Meanwhile, Ali Shamkhani, a senior figure in Iran’s National Defense Council, issued a personal warning to Trump, stating that those seeking to interfere with Iran’s security will face consequences. Another official, National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani, presented a mixed message, claiming they differentiate between genuine protestors and those with ulterior motives. He cautioned Trump that U.S. intervention could destabilize the entire region, putting American interests at risk.
According to Iran International, banners threatening the U.S. and Israel were seen in Tehran on Thursday, although there has been no public comment from Israel regarding the protests.
The banners bore the phrase “It will happen again,” accompanied by images of locations targeted during a prior conflict with Israel, including military facilities. Iran claimed to have defeated both Israel and the U.S. in this conflict, which began with missile strikes into civilian areas. In response, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, targeting Iranian threats. In June, Trump announced airstrikes aimed at three significant Iranian nuclear sites, declaring it a success in curtailing the regime’s nuclear ambitions.
