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Donald Trump has stated he would step in in the Islamic Republic if its government harm protesters, leading to warnings from high-ranking figures in Tehran that any American interference would cross a “red line”.

A Social Media Declaration Fuels Tensions

Via a online statement on Friday, Trump declared that if Iran were to use deadly force against protesters, the United States would “intervene on their behalf”. He further stated, “we are prepared to act,” without explaining what that might mean in actual terms.

Unrest Continue into the Next Phase Amid Economic Strain

Public unrest are now in their second week, constituting the largest in several years. The ongoing protests were triggered by an steep fall in the national currency on Sunday, with its value falling to about 1.4m to the US dollar, worsening an existing financial crisis.

Several citizens have been lost their lives, including a member of the paramilitary organization. Footage have shown security forces armed with firearms, with the noise of discharges heard in the background.

Iranian Leaders Deliver Stark Warnings

In response to Trump’s threat, a top adviser, counselor for the supreme leader, warned that internal matters were a “non-negotiable limit, not fodder for reckless social media posts”.

“Any intervening hand approaching Iran security on pretexts will be met with a regret-inducing response,” he said.

A separate high-ranking figure, a key security official, accused the US and Israel of being involved in the demonstrations, a frequent accusation by Tehran when addressing protests.

“Trump must realize that foreign interference in this internal issue will lead to destabilisation of the Middle East and the destruction of American interests,” he declared. “The American people must know that the former president is the one that initiated this provocation, and they should consider the well-being of their soldiers.”

Context of Tensions and Protest Scope

Tehran has previously warned against US troops deployed in the region in the before, and in June it attacked a facility in Qatar following the US struck its nuclear facilities.

The current protests have taken place in the capital but have also spread to other urban centers, such as a major city. Business owners have gone on strike in protest, and activists have gathered on university grounds. Though economic conditions are the main issue, protesters have also voiced political demands and decried what they said was failures by officials.

Official Approach Shifts

The nation's leader, the president, initially invited protest leaders, adopting a more conciliatory tone than authorities did during the earlier demonstrations, which were met with force. The president noted that he had directed the government to listen to the demonstrators' core grievances.

The loss of life of protesters, could, could signal that officials are adopting a tougher stance against the protests as they persist. A announcement from the powerful military force on Monday stated that it would respond forcefully against any outside meddling or “sedition” in the country.

As Tehran face protests at home, it has tried to stave off accusations from the United States that it is rebuilding its nuclear activities. Iran has claimed that it is halted enrichment activities anywhere in the country and has signaled it is ready for negotiations with the international community.