By Muhammad Mamman
Iran has issued a sharp warning to the United States after President Donald Trump suggested Washington was “locked and loaded” and ready to intervene if Iranian security forces used deadly force against anti-government protesters.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned Trump’s remarks as “reckless, dangerous, and a clear provocation,” accusing the U.S. president of attempting to inflame unrest and undermine Iran’s sovereignty.
Araghchi said Trump’s message appeared to be influenced by “circles fundamentally opposed to diplomacy” and warned that any violation of Iranian territory or airspace would trigger a firm and immediate response from Tehran’s armed forces.
“The Islamic Republic will not tolerate external interference under any circumstances,” Araghchi said in a televised statement on Tuesday. “Our armed forces are fully prepared to defend the nation against any unlawful aggression.”
His response came hours after Trump posted on social media that the U.S. would take action if Iran used lethal force to quell the growing nationwide protests triggered by economic hardship and soaring inflation.
Washington has not clarified what form such intervention might take, but Trump’s comments have drawn criticism from analysts who say overt threats could escalate tensions at a time of domestic volatility inside Iran.
Tehran, meanwhile, insists the demonstrations — the largest in several years — are being exploited by foreign powers seeking to destabilise the country.
The Iranian government has deployed additional security forces across major cities as protests continue for a fifth consecutive day. While clashes have been reported, authorities deny using excessive force.
Araghchi reiterated that Iran views the unrest as an internal matter and accused the U.S. of attempting to “weaponise human rights rhetoric for geopolitical gain.”
There has been no immediate response from the White House following Tehran’s warning.
