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Ex-President Trump has stated he would step in in Iran if its authorities use lethal force against protesters, prompting warnings from high-ranking figures in Tehran that any US intervention would overstep a definitive limit.

An Online Statement Ignites Tensions

In a online statement on recently, the former president stated that if Iran were to shoot and kill protesters, the US would “step in to help”. He further stated, “we are locked and loaded, and ready to go,” without detailing what that could entail in reality.

Protests Continue into the New Week Amid Financial Strain

Demonstrations across the nation are now in their sixth day, representing the most significant in several years. The ongoing protests were sparked by an steep fall in the Iranian rial on recently, with its value dropping to about a record depreciation, worsening an precarious economic situation.

Seven people have been confirmed dead, among them a volunteer for the state-affiliated group. Footage circulate showing law enforcement armed with firearms, with the noise of discharges audible in the background.

Iranian Authorities Deliver Stark Rebukes

Reacting to the statement, an official, adviser to the supreme leader, cautioned that Iran’s national security were a “red line, not a subject for reckless social media posts”.

“Any intervening hand approaching the country's stability on pretexts will be severed with a forceful retaliation,” Shamkhani said.

Another leader, Ali Larijani, claimed the foreign powers of being involved in the demonstrations, a frequent accusation by Tehran when addressing domestic dissent.

“Trump must realize that foreign interference in this national affair will lead to instability across the Middle East and the harm to American interests,” he declared. “The public must know that the former president is the one that started this adventure, and they should consider the security of their soldiers.”

Background of Strain and Protest Nature

The nation has threatened to target foreign forces deployed in the Middle East in the past, and in June it launched strikes on a facility in the Gulf after the US struck its nuclear facilities.

The current protests have been centered in Tehran but have also reached other urban centers, such as Isfahan. Merchants have shuttered businesses in solidarity, and students have gathered on campuses. While financial hardship are the main issue, protesters have also chanted anti-government slogans and decried what they said was corruption and mismanagement.

Presidential Stance Changes

The head of state, the president, offered talks with protest leaders, adopting a more conciliatory tone than the government did during the earlier demonstrations, which were met with force. He noted that he had ordered the government to listen to the demonstrators' core grievances.

The recent deaths of protesters, though, could signal that officials are becoming more forceful as they address the protests as they continue. A announcement from the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps on Monday warned that it would act decisively against any outside meddling or “internal strife” in the country.

As Tehran face domestic dissent, it has sought to counter claims from the United States that it is rebuilding its nuclear activities. Tehran has stated that it is no longer enriching uranium at present and has expressed it is willing to engage in talks with the west.