Trump’s Warning Over Iran Protests Deemed ‘Reckless’ by Foreign Minister
Iran’s foreign minister has sharply criticized Donald Trump’s recent warning regarding the ongoing protests in Iran, calling it “reckless and dangerous.” This statement comes amid escalating unrest sparked by economic grievances.
– Trump’s assertion: The US will intervene if peaceful protesters are harmed.
– Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, reacted to Trump’s comments, which included a claim that the US is “locked and loaded and ready to go” for demonstrators protesting Iran’s economic situation.
Rising Tensions Amid Protests
– Casualties reported: At least eight individuals have died during the protests, which have persisted for over a week.
– On Friday, Trump stated: “If Iran shots [sic] and violently kills peaceful protesters… the United States of America will come to their rescue.”
– No specific actions from Washington have been disclosed at this time, though previous military strikes have occurred against Iran’s nuclear sites, leading to retaliatory actions.
Iran’s Standpoint
– Araghchi emphasized that Iran’s armed forces are prepared and “know exactly where to aim” if provoked.
– He pointed out that, given Trump’s own actions with the National Guard within US borders, he should understand the importance of not tolerating attacks on public property.
– Iran will “forcefully reject any interference in their internal affairs.”
Widespread Protests
– The protests originated in Tehran, ignited by a steep fall in the value of the Iranian rial against the US dollar, spurring shopkeepers to take action.
– By Tuesday, university students had joined the protests, which spread to various cities, with demonstrators voicing their dissent against the clerical leadership.
Casualties and Responses
– Two protesters were reported dead in clashes in Lordegan, identified as Ahmad Jalil and Sajjad Valamanesh.
– In addition, three lives were lost in Azna, with another death reported in Kouhdasht, and additional casualties in Fuladshahr and Marvdasht.
Government Reaction
– Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian noted he would address the “legitimate demands” of the protesters.
– Contrarily, Prosecutor General Mohammad Movahedi-Azad warned that any attempts to incite instability would be met with a “decisive response.”
– Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei acknowledged the legitimacy of the shopkeepers’ complaints while insisting that “rioters must be put in their place.”
International Reactions
– Iran’s UN Ambassador Amir-Saeid Iravani sent a letter to the UN Security Council urging condemnation of Trump’s statement.
– He stated, “Iran will exercise its rights decisively and proportionately,” holding the US responsible for any resulting escalation from Trump’s comments.
The unfolding situation in Iran showcases the complexities of internal dissent and international commentary, highlighting the delicate balance between governance, protest rights, and geopolitical engagement.