WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump issued a stark warning Friday, declaring that the United States is “locked and loaded” to intervene if Iran kills demonstrators amid ongoing cost-of-living protests.
The unrest, which began over soaring prices and economic stagnation, has spread across several Iranian cities. Reports indicate that six people have died so far, marking the first fatalities since the demonstrations escalated.
Trump, speaking on his Truth Social platform, said:
“If Iran shoots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue.”
He added: “We are locked and loaded and ready to go.”
Protests Escalate Across Iran
Strikes and demonstrations began in Tehran, where shopkeepers protested rising prices, and have since spread to cities including Lordegan, Azna, and Kouhdasht. According to Iran’s Fars news agency, two protesters were killed in Lordegan and three in Azna, while state television reported the death of a security force member in Kouhdasht.
The current protests are smaller than the 2022 nationwide demonstrations sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in custody, which led to hundreds of deaths, including dozens of security personnel.
Trump’s remarks signal a heightened US stance toward Iran, emphasizing potential military backing for Iranian civilians if the situation worsens.
