Trump Vows US Intervention if Iran Suppresses Peaceful Protests

US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, stating that the US will intervene if peaceful protesters are harmed. Speaking on his Truth Social account, Trump declared, 'We are locked and loaded and ready to go.' The warning comes as protests in Iran have turned deadly, with at least seven people killed in clashes between security forces and demonstrators. Protests began in Tehran on Sunday, sparked by the government's handling of economic woes, including a sharp currency decline, stagnation, and inflation rates reaching 42.5% in December. The situation escalated on Tuesday when students from multiple universities joined the demonstrations, prompting market closures and a government-declared holiday. As protests spread across multiple provinces, demonstrators clashed with police, set vehicles ablaze, and hurled stones at officers. Authorities reported seizing firearms from several individuals, while Iran's civilian government, led by President Masoud Pezeshkian, has attempted to engage with protesters. Iran's economy has been strained due to US and Western sanctions linked to its nuclear program, as well as regional tensions following a 12-day conflict with Israel in June. The country's financial situation has been weakened, exacerbating the public's frustration and fueling the protests.