Tehran, Iran — Tensions escalated in Iran as protests against the country’s struggling economy continued for over a week, leading to a warning from U.S. President Donald Trump, which prompted harsh criticism from Iranian officials. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, characterized Trump’s remarks as “reckless and dangerous,” particularly highlighting the president’s statement that the U.S. might intervene if peaceful demonstrators were harmed.

Araghchi’s response came after Trump expressed support for Iranian protesters on social media, asserting that the U.S. was “locked and loaded” to respond to any violence against citizens demonstrating against economic hardship. The Iranian minister emphasized that the nation’s armed forces were prepared and aware of their targets should any aggression occur.

The protests, fueled by a significant decline in the value of the Iranian rial against the dollar, have reportedly resulted in at least eight fatalities as of Saturday. This wave of unrest initially sparked from shopkeepers expressing frustration over economic conditions but quickly evolved into broader demonstrations against the ruling clerical government.

On Saturday, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addressed the unrest, labeling demonstrators as “rioters” who needed to be curtailed. He acknowledged the legitimacy of original protests concerning economic issues but accused external forces of inciting anti-government sentiments among the populace.

Clashes between security forces and protesters have led to fatalities in various cities. In the western town of Malekshahi, state news wires reported three deaths, including a member of the security forces, during altercations outside a police station. Other cities, including Lordegan and Azna, witnessed similar violent exchanges resulting in additional casualties.

The European Union has expressed concern over the violence, urging Iranian authorities to show restraint and respect the rights of citizens to peacefully express their grievances.

As protests expanded, university students joined the demonstrations, leading to chants challenging the clerical establishment. Despite escalating tensions and reported deaths, there remain questions about the international community’s potential response, particularly regarding Trump’s vague threats of intervention.

The situation remains fluid, with the Iranian government firmly rejecting foreign interference. Araghchi’s statements reflect the heightened sensitivity to external criticism amid ongoing demonstrations that reflect deeper discontent with governance and economic management in Iran.