US President Donald Trump on January 2 (US time) declared his readiness to support protesters in Iran if the country's security forces fire on civilians, amid instability that has killed many people and created the biggest internal challenge to the Tehran government in years. Speaking on social media, Mr. Trump said the US is "ready to act", but did not specify the form of intervention.
The statement was made amid rising anti-inflation protests spreading to many areas across Iran, with deadly clashes mainly concentrated in western provinces. Communications linked to the state and human rights organizations said that at least 10 people were killed, including two who were confirmed by authorities to be members of the Basij paramilitary force.
Reacting to Mr. Trump's statement, Mr. Ali Larijani, a senior Iranian official and Chairman of the National Security Council, warned that any US intervention in Iran's internal affairs would destabilize the entire Middle East. Mr. Larijani emphasized that the American people need to realize that Mr. Trump's statements could put US soldiers in danger.
In a letter to the UN Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council, Iranian Ambassador to the United Nations Amir-Saeid Iravani called on the agency to condemn the threats from the US. He affirmed that Iran will act "decisively and commensurately", while fully blaming the US for all consequences arising from threats and escalating risks.
Local officials in western Iran warned that any illegal gatherings or disturbances would be resolutely handled. State television reported on arrests in several cities, with allegations of making Molotov cocktails and homemade weapons. Human rights organizations also recorded more than 130 arrests in the wave of protests, mainly in the west.
Video clips on the Internet show protesters gathering in front of a burned police station, amidst scattered gunshots and slogans criticizing the authorities. In Tehran and many other cities, rallies continue.
Amid increasing pressure, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed a softer stance, pledging dialogue with protesters' representatives on the cost of living crisis, despite human rights organizations accusing security forces of firing into the crowd.
