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Ex-President Trump has threatened to intervene in Iran if its regime use lethal force against protesters, prompting admonishments from high-ranking figures in Tehran that any American interference would cross a “red line”.

A Public Declaration Escalates Diplomatic Strain

Through a social media post on Friday, Trump declared that if Iran were to use deadly force against demonstrators, the America would “come to their rescue”. He further stated, “we are prepared to act,” without explaining what that could entail in actual terms.

Demonstrations Continue into the New Week Amid Financial Turmoil

Demonstrations across the nation are now in their second week, marking the biggest in several years. The ongoing protests were triggered by an steep fall in the country's money on recently, with its value dropping to about 1.4m to the US dollar, intensifying an existing financial crisis.

Multiple individuals have been lost their lives, including a member of the state-affiliated group. Videos circulate showing officials carrying shotguns, with the audio of gunfire heard in the video.

Iranian Authorities Deliver Firm Rebukes

In response to Trump’s threat, a top adviser, counselor for the supreme leader, stated that the nation's sovereignty were a “definitive boundary, not a subject for reckless social media posts”.

“Any external involvement targeting Iran security on any excuse will be cut off with a forceful retaliation,” he wrote.

A separate high-ranking figure, Ali Larijani, alleged the outside actors of orchestrating the protests, a typical response by the government when addressing protests.

“Washington needs to know that US intervention in this domestic matter will lead to destabilisation of the Middle East and the harm to American interests,” Larijani declared. “US citizens must know that Trump is the one that initiated this provocation, and they should pay attention to the security of their soldiers.”

Recent History of Strain and Protest Scope

The nation has previously warned against American soldiers stationed in the Middle East in the before, and in June it attacked a facility in the Gulf after the US struck Iranian nuclear enrichment sites.

The ongoing demonstrations have occurred in the capital but have also reached other urban centers, such as Isfahan. Business owners have closed their stores in solidarity, and students have taken over university grounds. While economic conditions are the central grievance, protesters have also voiced political demands and criticized what they said was failures by officials.

Government Stance Shifts

The Iranian president, Masoud Pezeshkian, offered talks with demonstration organizers, taking a less confrontational approach than authorities did during the previous unrest, which were violently suppressed. He stated that he had ordered the administration to listen to the protesters’ “legitimate demands”.

The recent deaths of protesters, could, may indicate that authorities are adopting a tougher stance against the unrest as they continue. A statement from the state security apparatus on recently warned that it would take a harsh line against any foreign interference or “internal strife” in the country.

As Tehran grapple with internal challenges, it has sought to counter accusations from the US that it is rebuilding its nuclear activities. Tehran has stated that it is halted enrichment activities domestically and has signaled it is ready for talks with the west.