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Donald Trump has warned of involvement in Iran should its regime kill protesters, resulting in admonishments from high-ranking figures in Tehran that any American interference would cross a “red line”.

An Online Post Fuels Diplomatic Strain

Through a online statement on recently, Trump said that if Iran were to fire upon protesters, the US would “intervene on their behalf”. He noted, “we are prepared to act,” without detailing what that might mean in reality.

Protests Continue into the Next Phase Against a Backdrop of Financial Crisis

Public unrest are now in their second week, constituting the biggest in several years. The present demonstrations were sparked by an sharp drop in the national currency on recently, with its worth dropping to about a record depreciation, worsening an existing financial crisis.

Seven people have been confirmed dead, among them a member of the state-affiliated group. Recordings have shown officials armed with shotguns, with the sound of shooting present in the video.

Iranian Authorities Deliver Firm Rebukes

In response to the intervention warning, Ali Shamkhani, adviser to the supreme leader, cautioned that internal matters were a “non-negotiable limit, not fodder for online provocations”.

“Any intervening hand approaching our national security on any excuse will be met with a forceful retaliation,” he posted.

A separate high-ranking figure, the secretary of Iran’s supreme national security council, claimed the outside actors of being involved in the protests, a frequent accusation by officials when addressing protests.

“Trump must realize that US intervention in this national affair will lead to turmoil in the whole region and the destruction of US assets,” he wrote. “The American people must know that Trump is the one that started this adventure, and they should consider the safety of their troops.”

Recent History of Tensions and Demonstration Nature

Tehran has previously warned against American soldiers based in the region in the before, and in recent months it attacked a facility in Qatar after the American attacks on related infrastructure.

The ongoing demonstrations have been centered in Tehran but have also extended to other urban centers, such as a major city. Shopkeepers have gone on strike in solidarity, and youth have gathered on campuses. While economic conditions are the primary complaint, protesters have also chanted anti-government slogans and decried what they said was failures by officials.

Presidential Response Evolves

The head of state, the president, offered talks with demonstration organizers, taking a more conciliatory tone than authorities did during the previous unrest, which were violently suppressed. The president said that he had instructed the government to listen to the people's valid concerns.

The recent deaths of protesters, however, could signal that authorities are adopting a tougher stance against the protests as they persist. A communiqué from the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps on recently warned that it would respond forcefully against any foreign interference or “internal strife” in the country.

While Iranian authorities grapple with domestic dissent, it has sought to counter claims from the US that it is reconstituting its nuclear activities. Tehran has stated that it is halted enrichment activities anywhere in the country and has signaled it is ready for dialogue with the west.