U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified his warnings to Iran, threatening military intervention if the regime violently cracks down on nationwide protests that have left hundreds dead and overwhelmed hospitals. The protests, now in their second week, began over economic grievances but have evolved into broader anti-government demonstrations, with Iranian authorities imposing an internet blackout and facing international condemnation.
The current wave of unrest started in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar as shopkeepers protested the collapse of the Iranian rial, but it quickly spread to over 100 cities across all provinces. According to human rights groups, at least 45 people have been killed, with some reports suggesting the death toll is much higher; BBC Persian has verified 26 fatalities, including six children. Medical workers describe dire conditions in hospitals, with one Tehran medic reporting direct shots to the heads and hearts of young protesters, and morgues so full that bodies are stacked in prayer rooms.
In response, President Trump posted on social media that “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!” This follows his earlier statement last week that if Iran “violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue,” adding that the U.S. is “locked and loaded and ready to go.” Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has accused the protesters of being “vandals” trying to “please” Trump and vowed that the regime will not back down, warning of severe consequences for dissent.
The Iranian government has cut internet access across the country, creating a near-total blackout that hinders communication and verification of events. Security forces have been deployed widely, with reports of live ammunition and pellet guns being used against demonstrators. Hospitals in cities like Tehran, Rasht, and Kashan are overwhelmed, with doctors describing an influx of gunshot wounds, particularly to the eyes, and a shortage of surgeons to handle the casualties.
International reactions have been swift, with the European Union, United Nations, and leaders from France, the UK, and Germany calling on Iran to respect the right to peaceful assembly and condemning the violence. The U.S. State Department has dismissed Iranian accusations that Washington and Israel are fueling the protests as “delusional,” emphasizing that the unrest stems from domestic grievances. Meanwhile, Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah, has urged protesters to seize city centers, though analysts caution that the lack of organized opposition limits the immediate potential for regime change.
The economic context is critical, with sanctions, inflation, and mismanagement exacerbating public discontent. The rial’s collapse has made basic goods unaffordable for many Iranians, deepening the crisis. Analysts like Naysan Rafati of the International Crisis Group note that the protests reflect a “general, very deep malaise” that cuts across society, compounded by years of economic hardship and political repression.
Trump’s threats add a volatile international dimension, reminiscent of past U.S. interventions. His administration’s actions in Venezuela and strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities last year lend credibility to his warnings, raising fears of escalation. Whether Iran can quell the unrest without triggering foreign intervention remains uncertain, but the protests have exposed significant fractures within the country.
As the situation unfolds, the world watches closely, with the potential for further bloodshed or a diplomatic breakthrough. The coming days will test the resilience of both the Iranian regime and the international community’s response to this humanitarian and political crisis.
