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Ex-President Trump has threatened to intervene in Iran should its government harm protesters, resulting in admonishments from senior Iranian officials that any involvement from Washington would cross a “red line”.

A Public Statement Escalates Tensions

Through a public declaration on Friday, the former president stated that if Iran were to fire upon demonstrators, the United States would “come to their rescue”. He noted, “we are locked and loaded, and ready to go,” without explaining what that would involve in actual terms.

Demonstrations Enter the Next Phase Against a Backdrop of Financial Crisis

Demonstrations across the nation are now in their latest phase, representing the biggest in several years. The current unrest were catalyzed by an unprecedented decline in the country's money on Sunday, with its value plummeting to about a record depreciation, worsening an already beleaguered economy.

Several citizens have been reported killed, among them a volunteer for the paramilitary organization. Videos circulate showing law enforcement carrying firearms, with the sound of shooting audible in the video.

Tehran's Authorities Issue Stark Rebukes

In response to the intervention warning, Ali Shamkhani, counselor for the country's highest authority, stated that Iran’s national security were a “definitive boundary, not material for online provocations”.

“Any foreign interference nearing our national security on false pretenses will be cut off with a swift consequence,” the official wrote.

Another leader, a key security official, accused the outside actors of orchestrating the unrest, a typical response by Tehran in response to domestic dissent.

“Trump must realize that foreign interference in this internal issue will lead to turmoil in the whole region and the damage to American interests,” the official wrote. “The public must know that Trump is the one that started this adventure, and they should pay attention to the well-being of their military personnel.”

Recent History of Tensions and Protest Nature

Tehran has threatened to target US troops based in the Middle East in the past, and in June it attacked a facility in Qatar following the US struck its nuclear facilities.

The present unrest have been centered in the capital but have also reached other urban centers, such as a major city. Merchants have closed their stores in solidarity, and activists have taken over campuses. While the currency crisis are the central grievance, demonstrators have also voiced political demands and criticized what they said was failures by officials.

Government Approach Evolves

The Iranian president, Masoud Pezeshkian, initially invited protest leaders, taking a more conciliatory tone than authorities did during the previous unrest, which were put down harshly. He said that he had ordered the administration to listen to the protesters’ “legitimate demands”.

The recent deaths of protesters, though, may indicate that the state are adopting a tougher stance against the protests as they continue. A communiqué from the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps on recently stated that it would respond forcefully against any foreign interference or “unrest” in the country.

As Iranian authorities grapple with protests at home, it has attempted to refute allegations from the US that it is reviving its nuclear programme. Iran has said that it is ceased such work domestically and has indicated it is willing to engage in talks with the west.