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Ex-President Trump has threatened to intervene in Iran should its government harm demonstrators, prompting admonishments from Iran's leadership that any American interference would overstep a definitive limit.

An Online Statement Ignites Diplomatic Strain

Through a online statement on recently, the former president stated that if Iran were to fire upon demonstrators, the America would “intervene on their behalf”. He added, “our response is imminent,” without clarifying what that could entail in practice.

Protests Continue into the New Week Against a Backdrop of Financial Crisis

Protests in Iran are now in their second week, representing the most significant in recent memory. The ongoing protests were triggered by an steep fall in the national currency on Sunday, with its value falling to about a historic low, intensifying an already beleaguered economy.

Multiple individuals have been reported killed, among them a volunteer for the Basij security force. Videos have shown law enforcement carrying firearms, with the audio of gunfire present in the video.

National Officials Issue Strong Rebukes

Reacting to Trump’s threat, a top adviser, adviser to the supreme leader, stated that Iran’s national security were a “non-negotiable limit, not a subject for online provocations”.

“Any external involvement targeting our national security on false pretenses will be met with a regret-inducing response,” Shamkhani wrote.

A separate high-ranking figure, the secretary of Iran’s supreme national security council, claimed the foreign powers of orchestrating the demonstrations, a typical response by officials in response to protests.

“The US should understand that American involvement in this internal issue will lead to destabilisation of the Middle East and the destruction of US assets,” he stated. “US citizens must know that the former president is the one that initiated this provocation, and they should consider the safety of their military personnel.”

Background of Tensions and Demonstration Scale

Iran has threatened to target US troops based in the region in the past, and in June it launched strikes on Al-Udeid airbase in Qatar following the American attacks on Iranian nuclear enrichment sites.

The ongoing demonstrations have taken place in Tehran but have also reached other cities, such as a major city. Merchants have gone on strike in protest, and students have taken over campuses. While financial hardship are the central grievance, protesters have also voiced calls for change and condemned what they said was corruption and mismanagement.

Official Approach Evolves

The nation's leader, Masoud Pezeshkian, initially invited demonstration organizers, taking a more conciliatory tone than authorities did during the previous unrest, which were put down harshly. He stated that he had ordered the government to listen to the people's valid concerns.

The loss of life of protesters, however, could signal that the state are becoming more forceful against the unrest as they persist. A communiqué from the state security apparatus on Monday stated that it would respond forcefully against any foreign interference or “sedition” in the country.

While the government face internal challenges, it has sought to counter accusations from the US that it is rebuilding its atomic ambitions. Iran has stated that it is no longer enriching uranium domestically and has indicated it is ready for negotiations with the international community.