Iran criticizes Trump’s ‘irresponsible’ intervention threat amid protests

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has vehemently criticized US President Donald Trump's recent declaration of potential American intervention if peaceful protesters in Iran are harmed. Labeling Trump’s remarks as “irresponsible and dangerous,” Araghchi responded to Trump’s social media post where he asserted, “We are locked and loaded and ready to go,” indicating that the United States would “come to the rescue” of demonstrators calling attention to Iran’s declining economic situation.

Araghchi reiterated that Iran’s military forces are alert and fully equipped, asserting they “know precisely where to fire” if attacked. He also criticized Trump’s own use of force in America, citing the National Guard's deployment to manage civil unrest, and asserted that “criminal assaults on public premises cannot be accepted.” The Iranian leader firmly warned that any foreign interference in Iran’s internal matters would meet with robust resistance.

The unrest initially erupted in Tehran, driven by significant depreciation of the Iranian currency, the rial, which has aggravated economic hardships for countless Iranians. Over the past week, the protests have spread to various cities nationwide, resulting in confrontations between security forces and demonstrators. Official and human rights organizations report at least eight fatalities during these clashes, though independent verification is challenging.

These protests mark the most extensive wave of dissent since the 2022 uprising after the death of Mahsa Amini while under the custody of Iran’s morality police. While the current movements do not match the scale of the previous uprising, they nonetheless highlight considerable public dissatisfaction. Iranian authorities, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, have committed to addressing the “legitimate demands” of the demonstrators. Meanwhile, Prosecutor General Mohammad Movahedi-Azad issued a stern alert that any efforts to destabilize the country would face a “firm response.”

To raise global awareness, Iran’s Ambassador to the UN, Amir-Saeid Iravani, has penned a letter to the UN Security Council demanding condemnation of Trump's threatening statements. Iravani holds the United States “entirely responsible” for any implications arising from these “unlawful threats” and the resulting rise in tensions.

The atmosphere remains charged as Iran anticipates more protests and the international community observes closely amid growing concerns over a potential conflict sparked by external involvement.