Iran warns of swift response after Trump says US is 'locked and loaded' over protests

Iran has threatened a "swift, decisive and comprehensive" response if the US intervenes following nationwide unrest that has left at least 10 people dead and prompted dozens of arrests. The warning came after US president Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that "If Iran kills peaceful protesters...

the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go." Iran's foreign ministry condemned the "intimidating remarks" and accused the US of "escalating tensions in the region," saying any aggression would be met decisively. The US State Department shared video of some protests on X, praising the "courage of the Iranian people" and the demonstrators' "resolve in the face of repression." This week's demonstrations are the biggest since protests triggered by the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini.

They began in Tehran over economic grievances and have spread across the country, with deadly clashes concentrated in western provinces. State-affiliated media and rights groups report at least 10 deaths since Wednesday, including two men authorities said were members of the Basij paramilitary force.

Human rights group Hengaw verified 132 arrests during the unrest, including at least 12 women and eight children. Hardline politician Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said Mr Trump's comments make "all American bases and forces across the region legitimate targets" in response to any adventurism.

Key Topics

World, Donald Trump, Iran, Mahsa Amini, Basij, Revolutionary Guards