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Donald Trump has stated he would step in in Iran if its government kill demonstrators, prompting admonishments from Iran's leadership that any US intervention would violate a critical boundary.

A Social Media Post Escalates Tensions

In a online statement on recently, the former president declared that if Iran were to use deadly force against protesters, the US would “intervene on their behalf”. He added, “we are locked and loaded, and ready to go,” without clarifying what that might mean in practice.

Protests Continue into the Sixth Day Amid Financial Crisis

Demonstrations across the nation are now in their second week, constituting the largest in recent memory. The ongoing protests were sparked by an steep fall in the national currency on Sunday, with its worth falling to about a record depreciation, further exacerbating an precarious economic situation.

Seven people have been confirmed dead, among them a member of the Basij security force. Recordings have shown security forces armed with shotguns, with the audio of gunfire present in the video.

Iranian Leaders Issue Firm Rebukes

Addressing the statement, a top adviser, adviser to the country's highest authority, stated that internal matters were a “non-negotiable limit, not a subject for online provocations”.

“Any intervening hand targeting Iran security on any excuse will be met with a regret-inducing response,” he posted.

Another leader, a key security official, accused the foreign powers of orchestrating the demonstrations, a typical response by officials when addressing domestic dissent.

“Trump must realize that US intervention in this domestic matter will lead to turmoil in the entire area and the harm to US assets,” he declared. “The public must know that Trump is the one that initiated this provocation, and they should consider the safety of their military personnel.”

Context of Conflict and Demonstration Scope

Tehran has threatened to target foreign forces based in the region in the past, and in June it attacked a facility in the Gulf after the US struck its nuclear facilities.

The ongoing demonstrations have been centered in the capital but have also spread to other cities, such as a major city. Business owners have shuttered businesses in protest, and youth have taken over university grounds. While financial hardship are the main issue, demonstrators have also chanted political demands and criticized what they said was graft and poor governance.

Official Response Evolves

The head of state, the president, offered talks with demonstration organizers, adopting a softer stance than authorities did during the previous unrest, which were violently suppressed. He noted that he had ordered the administration to listen to the people's valid concerns.

The fatalities of demonstrators, though, suggest that officials are adopting a tougher stance as they address the unrest as they persist. A statement from the powerful military force on recently cautioned that it would take a harsh line against any external involvement or “unrest” in the country.

While Tehran grapple with protests at home, it has sought to counter accusations from the US that it is reviving its nuclear activities. Officials has said that it is no longer enriching uranium at present and has expressed it is willing to engage in negotiations with the international community.