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The former president has stated he would step in in the Islamic Republic if its authorities use lethal force against protesters, prompting cautionary statements from high-ranking figures in Tehran that any US intervention would violate a critical boundary.

A Public Declaration Escalates Tensions

In a online statement on recently, Trump declared that if the country were to use deadly force against demonstrators, the United States would “step in to help”. He added, “we are locked and loaded, and ready to go,” without explaining what that would involve in practice.

Protests Continue into the New Week Against a Backdrop of Economic Crisis

Protests in Iran are now in their latest phase, representing the biggest in several years. The ongoing protests were triggered by an unprecedented decline in the country's money on Sunday, with its value plummeting to about a historic low, worsening an already beleaguered economy.

Multiple individuals have been reported killed, including a member of the paramilitary organization. Videos reportedly show security forces armed with firearms, with the sound of shooting audible in the video.

Tehran's Authorities Deliver Stark Rebukes

Addressing Trump’s threat, a top adviser, adviser to the country's highest authority, stated that Iran’s national security were a “definitive boundary, not fodder for reckless social media posts”.

“Any foreign interference approaching Iran security on false pretenses will be met with a forceful retaliation,” Shamkhani said.

A separate high-ranking figure, a key security official, accused the US and Israel of having a hand in the demonstrations, a common refrain by officials when addressing domestic dissent.

“Trump must realize that US intervention in this national affair will lead to destabilisation of the Middle East and the destruction of US assets,” the official declared. “US citizens must know that Trump is the one that started this adventure, and they should be concerned for the well-being of their troops.”

Background of Conflict and Protest Scope

The nation has threatened to target American soldiers based in the Middle East in the past, and in recent months it launched strikes on Al-Udeid airbase in Qatar following the American attacks on its nuclear facilities.

The current protests have been centered in Tehran but have also extended to other urban centers, such as a major city. Shopkeepers have shuttered businesses in solidarity, and activists have gathered on campuses. While financial hardship are the main issue, protesters have also chanted political demands and criticized what they said was graft and poor governance.

Official Response Changes

The head of state, the president, first called for demonstration organizers, adopting a softer stance than authorities did during the previous unrest, which were violently suppressed. Pezeshkian noted that he had directed the administration to listen to the demonstrators' core grievances.

The fatalities of protesters, though, could signal that officials are becoming more forceful as they address the unrest as they continue. A statement from the state security apparatus on Monday cautioned that it would respond forcefully against any outside meddling or “unrest” in the country.

As Iranian authorities deal with domestic dissent, it has attempted to refute claims from the US that it is reviving its nuclear activities. Tehran has claimed that it is halted enrichment activities domestically and has indicated it is ready for dialogue with the west.