US-Iran Threats Amid Iran Protests

U.S. President Donald Trump and top Iranian officials have exchanged threats amidst widening economic protests across Iran. The protests, sparked by the collapse of Iran's rial currency, have seen at least seven deaths and are the largest since 2022. Donald Trump warned of U.S. intervention if Iran violently suppresses protesters, stating the United States is 'locked and loaded'. In response, Iranian officials, including Ali Larijani and Ali Shamkhani, accused the United States and Israel of stoking the demonstrations and warned against foreign intervention, citing previous U.S. actions like the bombing of Iranian nuclear sites and the attack on Qatar — Al Udeid Air Base. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has acknowledged the economic challenges, while other officials like Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Abbas Araghchi have issued further threats against U.S. interests and forces. Iran has also sought condemnation of the U.S. rhetoric from the United Nations.