Protests are continuing across parts of Iran for a sixth consecutive day, driven primarily by the depreciation of the national currency and evolving to include anti-government chants. At least seven fatalities have been reported in connection with the demonstrations. These internal events have coincided with an exchange of public warnings between U.S. President Donald Trump and senior Iranian officials, occurring months after U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June 2025.
Protests Context and Developments
The demonstrations, which began six days prior, were initially prompted by significant economic strain, notably the depreciation of Iran's rial currency, which has fallen to approximately 1.4 million rials per U.S. dollar. The protests have expanded to include chants against Iran's government and theocracy. Fatalities linked to the unrest have reached at least seven individuals.
The current protests represent the largest internal unrest in Iran since 2022, when the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody sparked widespread demonstrations. However, the current intensity and national scale of the protests have not yet reached the levels observed in 2022.
On Friday, demonstrations continued in Zahedan, located in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan province. Burials for individuals killed in the protests also took place, reportedly leading to further marches. Video footage showed mourners confronting security forces at the funeral of Amirhessam Khodayari, 21, in Kouhdasht, Lorestan province. Khodayari's father refuted official claims that his son was a member of the Basij force of the Revolutionary Guard, with the semiofficial Fars news agency later reporting questions regarding the government's claims.
Iran's civilian government, led by President Masoud Pezeshkian, has indicated a willingness to engage with protesters. President Pezeshkian has acknowledged limitations in his capacity to address the economic factors fueling the unrest, particularly given the rapid depreciation of the rial.
International Responses: U.S. Statement
U.S. President Donald Trump issued a warning on his Truth Social platform. He stated that if Iran "violently kills peaceful protesters," the United States "will come to their rescue." President Trump added, "We are locked and loaded and ready to go," without further elaboration.
International Responses: Iranian Statements
Iranian officials responded to President Trump's remarks with a series of public statements.
- Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, stated on the social platform X that Israel and the U.S. were instigating the demonstrations, though he did not provide evidence. Larijani further asserted that "intervention by the U.S. in the domestic problem corresponds to chaos in the entire region and the destruction of the U.S. interests." He also commented, "The people of the U.S. should know that Trump began the adventurism. They should take care of their own soldiers," a statement interpreted as a reference to the extensive U.S. military presence in the region.
- Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, posted on X, warning that "any interventionist hand that gets too close to the security of Iran will be cut." He referenced previous U.S. involvement, stating, "The people of Iran properly know the experience of 'being rescued' by Americans: from Iraq and Afghanistan to Gaza."
- Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Iran's parliament speaker, stated that all American bases and forces would be considered "legitimate targets."
- Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, cited historical grievances against the U.S., including a 1953 CIA-backed coup, the 1988 downing of a passenger jet, and involvement in the June 2025 conflict.
Regional and Nuclear Context
The exchange of warnings follows events in June 2025, when the United States conducted strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites during a 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran. Following these strikes, Iran launched an attack on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
Subsequently, Iran announced it had ceased uranium enrichment at all domestic sites, a move interpreted as an overture for potential negotiations regarding its atomic program to alleviate international sanctions. However, formal talks have not yet materialized. Both President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have issued warnings against Iran resuming its atomic activities.