Amid escalating unrest across Iran, US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States is prepared to step in if peaceful demonstrators are harmed by Iranian authorities.
&ldquo;If Iran kills peaceful protesters, US will come to their rescue,&rdquo; Trump said, adding, &ldquo;We are locked and loaded and ready to go,&rdquo; in a post on his Truth Social account.
The warning comes as protests continue to spread across the country, with at least seven people reported dead following clashes between security forces and demonstrators. What began in Tehran as a protest by shopkeepers over the government&rsquo;s handling of a steep currency decline has grown into a wider movement driven by economic distress, stagnation, and soaring prices. Official data shows inflation touching 42.5 percent in December.
Tensions rose further when students from more than ten universities joined the demonstrations, giving the protests fresh momentum. Large sections of the economy have since come to a halt, with markets closed and the government declaring a holiday due to extreme cold, effectively shutting down much of the country.
Over the past day, protests have spread to several provinces, with some gatherings turning violent. Demonstrators reportedly confronted police, damaged vehicles, and pelted security personnel with stones. Authorities claimed that armed elements took advantage of the unrest and said weapons were later seized from some individuals.
Iran&rsquo;s economic troubles have deep roots, shaped by years of US and Western sanctions linked to its nuclear programme. Financial pressures have been compounded by heightened regional tensions, including a brief but costly conflict with Israel earlier this year, which further strained state resources.
Trump&rsquo;s remarks signal a sharp escalation in rhetoric as the situation inside Iran remains volatile and closely watched by the international community.

US warning to Iran as unrest spreads nationwide

US President issues sharp warning amid deadly protests over economy and inflation in Iran

US warning to Iran as unrest spreads nationwide

US President issues sharp warning amid deadly protests over economy and inflation in Iran

January 2, 2026 | 19:35 IST