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Ex-President Trump has threatened to intervene in the Islamic Republic if its government kill demonstrators, prompting warnings from Iran's leadership that any American interference would overstep a definitive limit.

A Public Declaration Fuels Tensions

In a public declaration on recently, the former president declared that if Iran were to shoot and kill protesters, the US would “come to their rescue”. He added, “our response is imminent,” without detailing what that might mean in practice.

Unrest Continue into the Next Phase Against a Backdrop of Economic Crisis

Demonstrations across the nation are now in their second week, constituting the biggest in several years. The current unrest were catalyzed by an unprecedented decline in the country's money on Sunday, with its value dropping to about 1.4m to the US dollar, further exacerbating an already beleaguered economy.

Multiple individuals have been reported killed, including a member of the state-affiliated group. Recordings circulate showing security forces armed with firearms, with the noise of discharges heard in the background.

Iranian Leaders Deliver Stark Responses

In response to the intervention warning, a top adviser, adviser to the supreme leader, stated that the nation's sovereignty were a “non-negotiable limit, not a subject for reckless social media posts”.

“Any intervening hand approaching Iran security on any excuse will be cut off with a swift consequence,” the official said.

Another leader, the secretary of Iran’s supreme national security council, accused the foreign powers of being involved in the demonstrations, a frequent accusation by Tehran in response to domestic dissent.

“Trump must realize that US intervention in this domestic matter will lead to turmoil in the whole region and the harm to US assets,” Larijani wrote. “The public must know that the former president is the one that started this adventure, and they should be concerned for the well-being of their military personnel.”

Recent History of Tensions and Demonstration Scope

Iran has previously warned against US troops deployed in the region in the before, and in recent months it attacked a facility in Qatar following the American attacks on Iranian nuclear enrichment sites.

The present unrest have been centered in the capital but have also spread to other urban centers, such as a major city. Business owners have shuttered businesses in solidarity, and students have taken over university grounds. Though the currency crisis are the main issue, demonstrators have also voiced political demands and decried what they said was corruption and mismanagement.

Government Approach Changes

The head of state, the president, first called for protest leaders, adopting a less confrontational approach than authorities did during the 2022 protests, which were put down harshly. Pezeshkian said that he had ordered the administration to listen to the people's valid concerns.

The fatalities of protesters, though, may indicate that officials are adopting a tougher stance as they address the protests as they persist. A announcement from the state security apparatus on recently warned that it would take a harsh line against any external involvement or “sedition” in the country.

While Iranian authorities deal with internal challenges, it has sought to counter allegations from the United States that it is rebuilding its atomic ambitions. Officials has said that it is halted enrichment activities anywhere in the country and has indicated it is ready for dialogue with the west.