US President Donald Trump has warned Iran's authorities against killing peaceful protesters, saying Washington "will come to their rescue". In a brief post on social media, he wrote: "We are locked and loaded and ready to go." At least six people are reported to have been killed in Iran on Thursday after almost a week of mass protests sparked by worsening economic conditions. In Friday's post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: "If Iran shots [sic] and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue." Footage posted on social media showed cars set on fire during running battles between protesters and security forces.

Source: The Star January 02, 2026 11:52 UTC