Former US President Donald Trump has issued a warning to Iran, saying the United States military is “ready to go” should Iranian authorities violently kill protesters, as nationwide demonstrations enter a fifth day.
The protests were triggered by rising living costs and a sharply weakening currency. Reports indicate that at least five people have died during confrontations with security forces, who have used tear gas and live fire to disperse crowds.
Trump made the statement on his Truth Social platform, writing that if Iran “shoots and violently kills peaceful protesters,” the United States would intervene, adding that the country was “locked and loaded and ready to go.”
Demonstrators in several cities have called for an end to Iran’s current leadership, with some openly advocating a return to the monarchy. Videos shared online show crowds in Tehran chanting “Rest in peace Reza Shah,” referring to the founder of Iran’s former royal dynasty that was overthrown in the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Some analysts have described the unrest as Iran’s potential “Tiananmen moment,” noting that protests have spread widely across the country. Observers say the scale of the demonstrations is the largest since the 2022 protests that followed the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody, when authorities responded with harsh crackdowns and internet restrictions.
In an attempt to contain the situation, Iranian authorities closed schools, universities and other public institutions on Wednesday. Heavy police presence has been reported around Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, believed to be the starting point of the protests, while arrests have been reported in several areas.
The demonstrations have since expanded beyond the capital to cities such as Isfahan, Yazd, Zanjan and Fasa, where footage showed protesters attacking a government building.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Tuesday, December 30, that he had directed officials to listen to the “legitimate demands” of protesters. A government spokesperson also said a mechanism for dialogue with protest leaders would be established.
Despite these assurances, tensions remain high as the international community closely watches how Iranian authorities will respond in the days ahead.
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