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Donald Trump has warned of involvement in the Islamic Republic if its government harm demonstrators, prompting warnings from high-ranking figures in Tehran that any US intervention would violate a critical boundary.

A Public Post Escalates Diplomatic Strain

In a public declaration on recently, the former president stated that if the country were to use deadly force against protesters, the US would “intervene on their behalf”. He further stated, “our response is imminent,” without detailing what that could entail in actual terms.

Protests Continue into the Sixth Day Against a Backdrop of Economic Strain

Protests in Iran are now in their second week, constituting the biggest in several years. The ongoing protests were sparked by an unprecedented decline in the country's money on Sunday, with its value falling to about a historic low, worsening an already beleaguered economy.

Multiple individuals have been confirmed dead, among them a member of the paramilitary organization. Videos reportedly show security forces carrying shotguns, with the sound of shooting present in the background.

Tehran's Officials Deliver Stark Rebukes

Addressing the intervention warning, an official, counselor for the country's highest authority, cautioned that the nation's sovereignty were a “red line, not a subject for reckless social media posts”.

“Any intervening hand nearing our national security on false pretenses will be cut off with a swift consequence,” the official said.

Another leader, a key security official, accused the foreign powers of having a hand in the protests, a frequent accusation by the government when addressing domestic dissent.

“The US should understand that foreign interference in this domestic matter will lead to turmoil in the entire area and the harm to American interests,” the official wrote. “The public must know that the former president is the one that started this adventure, and they should be concerned for the security of their soldiers.”

Background of Strain and Demonstration Scale

Iran has vowed to strike US troops deployed in the region in the past, and in June it attacked Al-Udeid airbase in the Gulf after the American attacks on Iranian nuclear enrichment sites.

The current protests have been centered in Tehran but have also spread to other urban centers, such as a major city. Business owners have shuttered businesses in solidarity, and students have gathered on university grounds. Though economic conditions are the central grievance, demonstrators have also chanted anti-government slogans and criticized what they said was failures by officials.

Presidential Response Changes

The Iranian president, Masoud Pezeshkian, offered talks with demonstration organizers, taking a more conciliatory tone than the government did during the previous unrest, which were violently suppressed. Pezeshkian said that he had ordered the government to listen to the people's valid concerns.

The loss of life of demonstrators, however, suggest that authorities are adopting a tougher stance as they address the protests as they continue. A announcement from the powerful military force on recently stated that it would take a harsh line against any foreign interference or “unrest” in the country.

While the government face internal challenges, it has sought to counter allegations from the US that it is rebuilding its nuclear programme. Iran has said that it is ceased such work at present and has indicated it is willing to engage in negotiations with the international community.