Declaring the country “locked and loaded,” he asserted America’s readiness to act should violence escalate.
Washington, DC [US], January 2, 2026, BNN Web Staff: US President Donald Trump on Friday warned Iranian authorities against using force on peaceful demonstrators, stating that the United States is prepared to respond if protesters are violently targeted amid ongoing unrest across Iran.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said the US would “come to the rescue” of protesters if Iranian forces resort to shooting or killing civilians. Declaring the country “locked and loaded,” he asserted America’s readiness to act should violence escalate.
The warning comes as protests triggered by soaring prices, currency depreciation and worsening economic conditions continue to spread across multiple Iranian provinces.
According to international media reports, several demonstrations have turned violent, resulting in clashes between protesters and security personnel.
Iranian state-affiliated Fars News Agency reported that demonstrators clashed with police, pelted stones and set vehicles ablaze in some areas.
The agency alleged that armed elements took advantage of the protests and claimed firearms were later recovered, though no evidence was presented to substantiate the claim.
At least two people were reported killed during confrontations in Lordegan county of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. Authorities did not clarify whether the fatalities were civilians or security personnel.
Videos circulating on social media, which could not be independently verified, appeared to show protesters throwing stones at police. Fars further claimed that government buildings, banks and the governor’s office were targeted during the unrest.
Earlier this week, the first reported death linked to the protests occurred in Lorestan province, where a member of Iran’s Basij paramilitary force was killed and several others injured during clashes in Kuhdasht city. State media aired footage of an injured police officer allegedly set on fire amid the violence.
Officials have confirmed multiple arrests in connection with the protests. Prosecutors in Kuhdasht said around 20 people were detained, while authorities in Malard county near Tehran reported the arrest of 30 individuals for allegedly disturbing public order. Local officials claimed some detainees had travelled from neighbouring areas to participate in the demonstrations.
The protests have seen participation from shopkeepers, bazaar traders and university students, with crowds chanting slogans against the government over economic hardship following the sharp fall of Iran’s national currency.
The current unrest is being described as the most significant since the nationwide protests of 2022 that erupted after the death of Mahsa Amini while in police custody.
Meanwhile, the US State Department expressed concern over reports of intimidation, arrests and violence against protesters. In a statement posted in Farsi on social media, it urged Iranian authorities to halt the crackdown and respect citizens’ rights.
Though the demonstrations remain scattered, observers say they reflect growing public frustration and a renewed willingness among Iranians to openly challenge economic mismanagement and restrictions on civil liberties.
