Iran Slams Trump’s ‘Reckless’ Threat to Intervene in Protests

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has criticized former President Donald Trump’s recent comments regarding the protests in Iran, describing them as “reckless and dangerous.” This response came after Trump suggested that the United States would intervene if peaceful protesters were harmed during ongoing demonstrations in Iran.

Iran’s Protests Trigger Global Attention

Protests erupted across Iran, primarily sparked by economic grievances, including a significant decline in the value of the Iranian rial against the US dollar. The demonstrations, which began in Tehran, have spread to various cities, with a notable escalation in intensity.

Casualties and Response to Protests

As of Saturday morning, reports indicated at least eight fatalities linked to the protests. Clashes between security forces and demonstrators were reported, particularly in:

• Lordegan: Two protesters identified as Ahmad Jalil and Sajjad Valamanesh were killed.
• Azna: Three fatalities were confirmed, although identities remain unverified.
• Kouhdasht: One person died during unrest.
• Fuladshahr: A casualty was reported here.
• Marvdasht: Another individual was reported dead due to the clashes.

Human rights groups, such as Hengaw, have been documenting these incidents, although independent verification by BBC has not been possible.

International Reactions to Trump’s Threat

Trump’s statement, made via social media, warned that the US “will come to the rescue” if Iran violently targets its protesters. He has also referred to Iran’s history of suppressing demonstrations. Araghchi highlighted that Iran’s armed forces are alert and prepared for any potential attack. He criticized Trump for suggesting intervention, stating that any interference in Iran’s internal matters would be met with a strong reaction.

Araghchi wrote on social media that Trump, having deployed the National Guard within the US, should understand that violence against public property is intolerable. An Iranian police spokesman addressed the situation, declaring that law enforcement would not permit “enemies” to transform unrest into chaos.

Government’s Stance on Protesters’ Demands

President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated willingness to consider the “legitimate demands” of the protesters. Conversely, Iran’s Prosecutor General, Mohammad Movahedi-Azad, warned that any attempts to destabilize the nation would face a decisive crackdown.

In a letter to the United Nations, Iran’s UN Ambassador Amir-Saeid Iravani called for the UN Security Council to condemn Trump’s remarks, asserting that the US bears responsibility for any consequences resulting from its threats. He emphasized that Iran would respond decisively and proportionately to any aggression.

The ongoing protests are reminiscent of the widespread unrest seen in 2022, which followed the death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman whose case sparked significant outrage, although these current protests have not reached similar levels of intensity.