Iran’s leadership lashed out Friday after US President Donald Trump threatened intervention amid deadly protests, with Iranian officials warning that American troops in the region could be targeted if Washington interferes. “If Iran shots (sic) and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. Dozens of protesters took to the streets across several of Iran’s provinces this week, with some demonstrations turning deadly Wednesday after clashes with police. Trump’s threats against Iran create a “stark strategic dilemma” for Washington, Ali Vaez, the director of the Iran Project at the International Crisis Group, said. Advertisement AdvertisementAdvertisement AdvertisementTwenty people were arrested in the protests, the prosecutor of Kuhdasht said Thursday, according to state-affiliated news agency Tasnim.

Source: CNN January 02, 2026 19:58 UTC