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Ex-President Trump has warned of involvement in the Islamic Republic should its authorities use lethal force against protesters, prompting warnings from Iran's leadership that any US intervention would overstep a definitive limit.

A Social Media Post Escalates Tensions

Via a public declaration on recently, Trump stated that if Iran were to shoot and kill demonstrators, the US would “intervene on their behalf”. He noted, “our response is imminent,” without clarifying what that would involve in reality.

Protests Enter the Next Phase Against a Backdrop of Economic Strain

Public unrest are now in their latest phase, marking the largest since 2022. The current unrest were triggered by an sharp drop in the country's money on recently, with its worth falling to about a historic low, further exacerbating an already beleaguered economy.

Seven people have been confirmed dead, including a volunteer for the paramilitary organization. Footage have shown security forces armed with shotguns, with the audio of gunfire heard in the video.

National Leaders Issue Stark Warnings

Addressing the intervention warning, an official, counselor for the supreme leader, stated that internal matters were a “non-negotiable limit, not a subject for online provocations”.

“Any external involvement targeting Iran security on any excuse will be met with a regret-inducing response,” Shamkhani posted.

A separate high-ranking figure, Ali Larijani, claimed the outside actors of having a hand in the unrest, a typical response by the government in response to domestic dissent.

“The US should understand that foreign interference in this internal issue will lead to instability across the whole region and the destruction of American interests,” he wrote. “US citizens must know that the former president is the one that began this escalation, and they should consider the security of their soldiers.”

Context of Tensions and Protest Nature

Iran has previously warned against American soldiers stationed in the Middle East in the past, and in recent months it attacked Al-Udeid airbase in Qatar after the US struck its nuclear facilities.

The current protests have occurred in the capital but have also extended to other urban centers, such as Isfahan. Business owners have closed their stores in protest, and activists have gathered on university grounds. Though economic conditions are the main issue, protesters have also voiced calls for change and criticized what they said was graft and poor governance.

Presidential Response Evolves

The nation's leader, Masoud Pezeshkian, first called for protest leaders, taking a more conciliatory tone than authorities did during the 2022 protests, which were put down harshly. Pezeshkian said that he had instructed the administration to listen to the demonstrators' core grievances.

The loss of life of protesters, however, could signal that officials are taking a harder line against the unrest as they persist. A communiqué from the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps on Monday warned that it would take a harsh line against any foreign interference or “internal strife” in the country.

As Iranian authorities face domestic dissent, it has tried to stave off claims from the US that it is reviving its nuclear activities. Tehran has claimed that it is ceased such work at present and has signaled it is willing to engage in talks with the international community.