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The former president has warned of involvement in the Islamic Republic if its government use lethal force against demonstrators, leading to warnings from Iran's leadership that any US intervention would violate a critical boundary.

An Online Declaration Escalates Diplomatic Strain

Via a public declaration on Friday, Trump stated that if Iran were to shoot and kill protesters, the US would “intervene on their behalf”. He added, “our response is imminent,” without clarifying what that might mean in reality.

Demonstrations Enter the Next Phase Amid Economic Turmoil

Demonstrations across the nation are now in their latest phase, marking the biggest in recent memory. The current unrest were sparked by an steep fall in the Iranian rial on recently, with its worth dropping to about a record depreciation, further exacerbating an already beleaguered economy.

Seven people have been reported killed, among them a member of the paramilitary organization. Footage circulate showing security forces carrying shotguns, with the noise of discharges present in the background.

Tehran's Authorities Issue Firm Responses

Reacting to the statement, an official, counselor for the supreme leader, stated that the nation's sovereignty were a “non-negotiable limit, not material for adventurist tweets”.

“Any external involvement approaching Iran security on any excuse will be met with a forceful retaliation,” the official posted.

Another leader, Ali Larijani, claimed the foreign powers of being involved in the unrest, a common refrain by the government when addressing protests.

“The US should understand that US intervention in this domestic matter will lead to turmoil in the Middle East and the damage to US assets,” Larijani stated. “The American people must know that the former president is the one that began this escalation, and they should be concerned for the well-being of their military personnel.”

Background of Conflict and Protest Scale

The nation has vowed to strike foreign forces stationed in the region in the before, and in recent months it attacked Al-Udeid airbase in Qatar following the American attacks on Iranian nuclear enrichment sites.

The present unrest have been centered in the capital but have also extended to other urban centers, such as Isfahan. Shopkeepers have closed their stores in solidarity, and youth have taken over university grounds. While economic conditions are the main issue, demonstrators have also voiced calls for change and decried what they said was corruption and mismanagement.

Government Approach Evolves

The head of state, Masoud Pezeshkian, offered talks with representatives, adopting a more conciliatory tone than authorities did during the previous unrest, which were put down harshly. Pezeshkian noted that he had directed the government to listen to the demonstrators' core grievances.

The recent deaths of demonstrators, however, may indicate that authorities are becoming more forceful as they address the unrest as they continue. A announcement from the powerful military force on recently stated that it would respond forcefully against any foreign interference or “sedition” in the country.

As Tehran face protests at home, it has attempted to refute allegations from the US that it is rebuilding its atomic ambitions. Officials has stated that it is ceased such work domestically and has expressed it is ready for dialogue with the international community.