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The former president has stated he would step in in the Islamic Republic if its authorities kill demonstrators, resulting in cautionary statements from high-ranking figures in Tehran that any involvement from Washington would violate a critical boundary.

A Social Media Statement Ignites Diplomatic Strain

Via a public declaration on Friday, the former president said that if Iran were to fire upon protesters, the US would “step in to help”. He noted, “we are prepared to act,” without explaining what that would involve in practice.

Demonstrations Continue into the Next Phase Amid Economic Strain

Protests in Iran are now in their latest phase, representing the largest since 2022. The ongoing protests were sparked by an steep fall in the national currency on Sunday, with its value dropping to about 1.4m to the US dollar, worsening an existing financial crisis.

Multiple individuals have been confirmed dead, among them a volunteer for the state-affiliated group. Footage reportedly show law enforcement armed with shotguns, with the sound of shooting present in the video.

Iranian Authorities Issue Stark Rebukes

Addressing Trump’s threat, Ali Shamkhani, adviser to the country's highest authority, stated that the nation's sovereignty were a “non-negotiable limit, not fodder for online provocations”.

“Any external involvement targeting Iran security on pretexts will be cut off with a swift consequence,” Shamkhani said.

Another leader, a key security official, alleged the US and Israel of orchestrating the protests, a frequent accusation by Tehran when addressing protests.

“The US should understand that foreign interference in this internal issue will lead to turmoil in the Middle East and the damage to Washington's stakes,” he stated. “The public must know that Trump is the one that began this escalation, and they should be concerned for the well-being of their soldiers.”

Context of Conflict and Demonstration Scale

Iran has vowed to strike American soldiers based in the region in the past, and in recent months it launched strikes on Al-Udeid airbase in the Gulf after the US struck Iranian nuclear enrichment sites.

The ongoing demonstrations have been centered in Tehran but have also spread to other cities, such as Isfahan. Business owners have shuttered businesses in protest, and activists have taken over university grounds. While economic conditions are the main issue, protesters have also voiced calls for change and criticized what they said was corruption and mismanagement.

Official Stance Shifts

The head of state, the president, initially invited demonstration organizers, taking a softer stance than authorities did during the earlier demonstrations, which were met with force. The president noted that he had instructed the government to listen to the people's valid concerns.

The fatalities of protesters, though, could signal that authorities are taking a harder line as they address the unrest as they continue. A announcement from the powerful military force on recently cautioned that it would respond forcefully against any external involvement or “unrest” in the country.

While Tehran face protests at home, it has attempted to refute accusations from the US that it is reviving its nuclear activities. Officials has stated that it is no longer enriching uranium at present and has signaled it is ready for dialogue with the international community.