In brief
Abbas Araghchi, Iran's Foreign Minister, criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for his warning to intervene if peaceful protesters in Iran are killed. The protests, which have seen at least eight casualties, were sparked by anger over economic hardships, particularly a plummeting currency. Araghchi asserted Iran's readiness to respond to any foreign interference, amid increasing international concern over the violence in Iran.
Donald Trump's warning that the US will intervene if peaceful protesters are killed was 'reckless and dangerous', Iran's foreign minister has said.
Abbas Araghchi's comments came after the US president stated, 'We are locked and loaded and ready to go' in a social media post, indicating a willingness to assist demonstrators protesting the nation’s struggling economy.
Araghchi noted that Iran's armed forces were on standby, stating they 'know exactly where to aim' if provoked. Protests have reportedly resulted in at least eight fatalities over the week.
Trump's message suggested that the US would come to the aid of those being attacked, although he did not specify the nature of potential US actions, which have previously included airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Amid escalated protests, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei denounced rioters and claimed that while the shopkeepers' concerns regarding currency devaluation were legitimate, others were taking advantage of the situation.
The European Union has expressed serious concerns regarding the reports of violence and deaths, urging Tehran to show restraint and uphold the rights of protesters.
The current protests, which began over economic grievances, have spread across various cities, with university students joining in and voicing their discontent against the ruling clerics.
These demonstrations have been compared to the widespread protests in 2022 following the death of Mahsa Amini, though experts suggest that these current gatherings have yet to reach the same scale.
