On Friday, President Donald Trump stated that the United States might step in if Iran's regime escalates its crackdown on demonstrators amidst widespread protests, numerous fatalities, and an almost total internet blackout in the country.
During a meeting at the White House with major oil executives, Trump addressed Iran's internal situation and issued a stark warning to the Islamic regime.
"Iran is facing serious challenges. It appears that people are taking control of cities in ways nobody thought possible... We're watching closely," he remarked.
Trump emphasized that his administration is monitoring developments and made it clear where the line is drawn.
"I've stated clearly that if they start killing people as they've done in the past, we will intervene," he declared, a statement analysts see as direct pressure amidst the intensifying anti-government protests.
These comments come as demonstrations in Iran approach their second week, spreading to over a hundred cities. Initially sparked by economic woes, the collapse of the rial, and inflation, the protests now carry a growing political tone against Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's leadership.
Human rights groups report at least 51 deaths during the protests, including nine minors, and over 2,200 arrests. Oslo-based NGO Iran Human Rights cautioned that the actual death toll could be higher, given the on-ground verification challenges.
Simultaneously, Iranian authorities have nearly shut down global internet access, effectively isolating the country from the outside world.
Monitoring platforms like NetBlocks confirmed a nationwide digital blackout, aimed at curbing the spread of imagery and accounts of the repression.
Trump's warning aligns with a joint condemnation from European leaders. French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer strongly denounced the killing of protesters and demanded Tehran exercise restraint and respect freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly.
International pressure has been further bolstered by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s explicit support for the Iranian demonstrators.
Meanwhile, Tehran has responded with a robust security force deployment, university raids, tear gas usage, and mass arrests.
For many observers, the internet shutdown and repression echo tactics used by other authoritarian regimes confronting social unrest.
In Iran's case, the mix of economic crisis, international isolation, and sustained protests has placed the country at one of its tensest moments in recent years, now under the explicit threat of potential U.S. intervention.
Impact of U.S. Intervention on Iran Protests
Why has the U.S. threatened to intervene in Iran?
The U.S. has threatened to intervene due to the Iranian regime's intense crackdown on protesters, including reports of deaths and mass arrests, which the U.S. views as human rights violations.
How has the international community responded to Iran's actions?
The international community, including European leaders and Israel, has condemned Iran's actions, calling for restraint and urging respect for human rights and freedoms.
What measures has Iran taken to suppress protests?
Iran has deployed security forces, conducted university raids, used tear gas, and implemented a near-total internet shutdown to suppress the protests.