Iran has issued a strong warning to the United States amid ongoing nationwide protests, saying any American interference would destabilise the entire region. The warning came after US President Donald Trump said Washington would intervene if Iranian authorities used lethal force against peaceful demonstrators.
A senior adviser to Iran&rsquo;s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said on Friday that external involvement in Iran&rsquo;s internal unrest would lead to widespread chaos across the Middle East. The statement followed Trump&rsquo;s post on his Truth Social platform, where he said the US was &ldquo;locked and loaded&rdquo; in response to the situation in Iran.
Protests have been sweeping across Iran since Sunday, with at least seven people reported dead in clashes between demonstrators and security forces. The unrest is being driven by public frustration over worsening economic conditions, including high inflation, a weakening currency and stagnant growth.
The demonstrations began in Tehran, where shopkeepers shut businesses and criticised the government over the sharp fall in the national currency and rising prices. Official data shows inflation stood at 42.5 per cent in December, adding to public anger.
The movement gained momentum on Tuesday when students from more than ten universities joined the protests. Markets were closed in several cities as demonstrations continued, while authorities declared a public holiday citing cold weather, effectively slowing daily activity across large parts of the country.
Over the past 24 hours, protests have spread to multiple provinces. Some gatherings turned violent, leading to deadly confrontations between protesters and security forces, according to international media reports. Iranian media said clashes included stone-pelting, vehicle burnings and the involvement of armed elements, with security agencies later seizing weapons from several individuals.
Iran&rsquo;s civilian government, led by President Masoud Pezeshkian, has indicated openness to dialogue and has attempted to signal willingness to engage with protesters amid the growing unrest.
Iran&rsquo;s economy has been under prolonged strain due to US and Western sanctions related to its nuclear programme. Recent regional tensions, including a 12-day conflict with Israel in June, have further weakened state finances and compounded economic pressure.

Khamenei aide says US action would trigger regional chaos

Iran Warns US Against Intervening in Protests

Khamenei aide says US action would trigger regional chaos

January 2, 2026 | 23:54 IST