Iran Protests Turn Deadly as Trump Warns of Intervention and Tehran Threatens Retaliation

Overview

• U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States is ready to act if Iran kills peaceful protesters, posting the warning on Truth Social.
• Senior Iranian figures labeled foreign interference a red line and warned of reprisals, with parliamentary chief Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf saying U.S. bases in the region could be legitimate targets.
• Media and officials report at least six to seven deaths and roughly 30 arrests, including fatalities in Lordegan and Azna and the killing of a 21-year-old Basij member in Kuhdasht.
• Iran's police and prosecutor signaled they recognize economic grievances yet vowed a firm response to what they call attempts to create insecurity or damage public property.
• The unrest began with a merchants' strike over surging living costs, as official data show roughly 50–52% annual inflation and a rial that lost more than a third of its value in 2025.