Trump warns of possible US intervention over Iran protest crackdown

ABC News

Iranian protests.

US President Donald Trump has warned that Washington could intervene if Iranian authorities violently suppress peaceful protests currently unfolding across the country.

In a message posted on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said the United States would act to “rescue peaceful protesters” if Iranian security forces opened fire on demonstrators and killed them, adding that America was “locked and loaded and ready to go”.

The remarks come amid a renewed wave of unrest in Iran, driven largely by economic hardship, including currency depreciation, high inflation and rising living costs. Protests have been reported in several cities, with clashes occurring between demonstrators and security forces.

According to local and regional media, a number of people have been killed during confrontations, though Iranian authorities have not provided a comprehensive casualty figure.

Trump’s comments mark a sharp escalation in US rhetoric towards Tehran and are likely to further heighten tensions between the two countries, which have remained strained over Iran’s nuclear programme, regional influence and human rights record.

Sources: Reuters, Iranintl, and Al Jazeera



PUKMEDIA