Iran's Largest Protest in Years: 7 Dead, Trump Warns of US Intervention

Iran has been gripped by its largest protest in three years, with thousands taking to the streets to demand economic reform and an end to the country's theocratic system. The demonstrations, sparked by a sharp decline in the value of the rial and rising inflation, have spread across the country, including to the clerical stronghold of Qom. US President Donald Trump has warned the Iranian government that the US will intervene on behalf of the protesters if they are shot or killed by security forces. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, "We are locked and loaded and ready to go," and vowed to come to the aid of the protesters. The clashes between security forces and protesters have resulted in at least seven deaths, with authorities citing the Revolutionary Guards as reporting one of its affiliated Basij members killed and 13 injured. The Basij is a volunteer paramilitary force loyal to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Protests have also spread to new cities, including Qom, where demonstrators have called for the removal of the theocracy. For the first time in five decades, pro-monarchy slogans have dominated the chants, according to Iran International. The security forces have responded with force, opening live fire in several cities, including Nurabad in Lorestan and Hamadan in western Iran. Videos circulating on social media show officers shooting at demonstrators who remained on the streets despite the crackdown. Iran's exiled prince Reza Pahlavi has praised protesters across the country, describing them as "true heroes of this land" and calling on them to stay united until they achieve freedom. The protests have been sparked by Iran's economic struggles, including a sharp decline in the value of the rial against the US dollar and double-digit hyperinflation. The national currency has lost over a third of its value in the past year, weakening purchasing power for years. Iran's civilian government, led by President Masoud Pezeshkian, has signaled a willingness to engage with protesters, but has limited options due to the sharp decline in the value of the rial. The currency has fallen to around 1.4 million rials per dollar.