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Ex-President Trump has stated he would step in in Iran should its authorities use lethal force against protesters, resulting in warnings from senior Iranian officials that any US intervention would violate a critical boundary.

A Public Statement Ignites Diplomatic Strain

Through a social media post on Friday, the former president declared that if the country were to fire upon demonstrators, the America would “step in to help”. He further stated, “we are prepared to act,” without clarifying what that might mean in reality.

Demonstrations Continue into the New Week Amid Financial Crisis

Protests in Iran are now in their sixth day, marking the biggest in recent memory. The present demonstrations were sparked by an steep fall in the national currency on recently, with its value plummeting to about a record depreciation, worsening an existing financial crisis.

Multiple individuals have been confirmed dead, including a member of the state-affiliated group. Recordings have shown law enforcement carrying firearms, with the noise of discharges present in the video.

National Leaders Issue Strong Responses

In response to the statement, Ali Shamkhani, counselor for the country's highest authority, cautioned that Iran’s national security were a “non-negotiable limit, not fodder for reckless social media posts”.

“Any external involvement targeting our national security on any excuse will be severed with a swift consequence,” Shamkhani posted.

Another leader, the secretary of Iran’s supreme national security council, accused the US and Israel of orchestrating the protests, a typical response by the government when addressing domestic dissent.

“The US should understand that foreign interference in this national affair will lead to destabilisation of the Middle East and the damage to Washington's stakes,” he declared. “The public must know that Trump is the one that started this adventure, and they should pay attention to the security of their military personnel.”

Background of Strain and Demonstration Nature

Iran has threatened to target foreign forces based in the region in the before, and in June it attacked a facility in the Gulf following the American attacks on related infrastructure.

The present unrest have been centered in Tehran but have also spread to other urban centers, such as a major city. Merchants have closed their stores in protest, and activists have gathered on university grounds. Though financial hardship are the main issue, protesters have also voiced anti-government slogans and decried what they said was corruption and mismanagement.

Government Response Changes

The head of state, Masoud Pezeshkian, offered talks with demonstration organizers, adopting a more conciliatory tone than authorities did during the earlier demonstrations, which were met with force. Pezeshkian stated that he had directed the administration to listen to the demonstrators' core grievances.

The loss of life of protesters, though, suggest that authorities are taking a harder line against the protests as they persist. A statement from the powerful military force on recently stated that it would take a harsh line against any foreign interference or “internal strife” in the country.

While Iranian authorities grapple with protests at home, it has attempted to refute accusations from the United States that it is reconstituting its atomic ambitions. Tehran has claimed that it is halted enrichment activities anywhere in the country and has signaled it is open for dialogue with the international community.