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Ex-President Trump has warned of involvement in Iran should its authorities kill demonstrators, resulting in warnings from high-ranking figures in Tehran that any American interference would cross a “red line”.

An Online Post Fuels Diplomatic Strain

Via a online statement on Friday, Trump stated that if the country were to fire upon demonstrators, the United States would “intervene on their behalf”. He added, “our response is imminent,” without explaining what that could entail in actual terms.

Demonstrations Continue into the New Week Amid Financial Crisis

Demonstrations across the nation are now in their latest phase, marking the most significant in recent memory. The current unrest were triggered by an steep fall in the Iranian rial on recently, with its value dropping to about a record depreciation, further exacerbating an already beleaguered economy.

Several citizens have been lost their lives, including a volunteer for the Basij security force. Videos circulate showing security forces armed with shotguns, with the audio of gunfire heard in the background.

Iranian Authorities Issue Strong Responses

In response to Trump’s threat, Ali Shamkhani, adviser to the country's highest authority, warned that internal matters were a “non-negotiable limit, not material for online provocations”.

“Any foreign interference approaching the country's stability on pretexts will be cut off with a forceful retaliation,” he wrote.

Another leader, the secretary of Iran’s supreme national security council, alleged the US and Israel of being involved in the demonstrations, a frequent accusation by Tehran when addressing protests.

“The US should understand that US intervention in this national affair will lead to destabilisation of the entire area and the destruction of Washington's stakes,” the official declared. “The public must know that the former president is the one that initiated this provocation, and they should pay attention to the safety of their soldiers.”

Recent History of Strain and Protest Nature

Tehran has threatened to target American soldiers deployed in the Middle East in the past, and in recent months it attacked Al-Udeid airbase in the Gulf following the American attacks on its nuclear facilities.

The ongoing demonstrations have occurred in Tehran but have also reached other cities, such as Isfahan. Merchants have shuttered businesses in solidarity, and activists have gathered on campuses. Though financial hardship are the main issue, protesters have also chanted political demands and criticized what they said was failures by officials.

Official Approach Evolves

The nation's leader, the president, first called for demonstration organizers, taking a more conciliatory tone than authorities did during the previous unrest, which were put down harshly. Pezeshkian noted that he had directed the government to listen to the demonstrators' core grievances.

The loss of life of demonstrators, could, may indicate that the state are adopting a tougher stance against the protests as they continue. A statement from the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps on Monday warned that it would respond forcefully against any foreign interference or “unrest” in the country.

As Tehran face domestic dissent, it has attempted to refute accusations from the US that it is rebuilding its atomic ambitions. Officials has stated that it is halted enrichment activities anywhere in the country and has signaled it is ready for talks with the international community.