Large-scale protests in Iran. Trump warns authorities against using force

President of the United States Donald Trump promised to intervene if the Iranian authorities use force to suppress the protests. He posted a message to that effect. published on the social network Truth Social.

"If Iran shoots and kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their aid. We are ready for action," the American president wrote.

Agency Reuters writes that Trump's comments came after several people died as the largest protests in Iran in three years over economic hardship turned violent in several provinces.

The clashes between protesters and security forces mark a significant escalation of the unrest that has spread across the country since shop owners began protesting on Sunday against the government's handling of the sharp fall in the currency and the rapid rise in prices.

Iran's economy has been struggling for many years, ever since the U.S. reimposed sanctions in 2018, after Trump withdrew from the international nuclear deal during his first term in office.

As reported by Associated Press Shortly after Trump's statement, Ali Larijani, a former parliament speaker who serves as secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said that Israel and the United States were fomenting the demonstrations. He did not provide any evidence to support the claim, which Iranian officials have repeatedly made.

"Trump should understand that US interference in an internal problem leads to chaos throughout the region and the destruction of US interests. The American people should understand that Trump has embarked on adventurism. They should take care of their soldiers," he wrote.

Larijani's remarks were likely aimed at America's broad military influence in the region.

The protests, which have been ongoing for six days, are the largest in Iran since 2022, when the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini while in police custody sparked nationwide demonstrations. The woman was detained for not wearing a hijab, or headscarf, as required by the authorities.

• On December 20, NBC News wrote that Israel is preparing to inform Trump on options for repeated strikes on Iran due to concerns about Tehran's missile program.
• On December 22, Israeli officials warned the Trump administration that Iran's missile drills could be preparation for a strike on Israel.