Iran Warns US Against Threats Amid Ongoing Protests

The United Nations recently received a serious appeal from Iran’s ambassador, Amir Saeed Iravani, urging the organization to condemn what he describes as “unlawful threats” from U.S. President Donald Trump. This correspondence follows remarks from Trump indicating that the U.S. is prepared to intervene in response to violent actions against protesters in Iran, where demonstrations have erupted over rising living costs.

Heightened Tensions

In a letter addressed to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the president of the UN Security Council (UNSC), Iravani called for a firm denunciation of Trump’s “reckless and provocative statements.” He labeled these remarks as a serious breach of the UN Charter and international law. “Any attempt to incite, encourage, or legitimize internal unrest as a pretext for external pressure or military intervention is a gross violation of our sovereignty,” the ambassador stated.

The situation escalated on Friday when Trump indicated that the U.S. was “locked and loaded and ready to go” if any further violence against demonstrators occurred in Iran. Iravani responded by emphasizing that Iran reserves the right to defend its sovereignty and would act decisively against any unlawful threats. He warned that the U.S. would bear full responsibility for any arising consequences from these threats, suggesting that escalation could lead to significant ramifications.

The Protests and Their Causes

Reports indicate that protests have been ongoing across various Iranian cities, including Qom, Mashhad, and parts of Tehran, with the unrest being triggered by a strike from shopkeepers demanding action against soaring prices and economic stagnation. The situation has now claimed at least nine lives and led to the arrest of 44 individuals. Tragically, a recent incident in Qom involved a fatal grenade explosion, attributed to attempts to incite further unrest.

President Trump has further inflamed tensions by making comments on social media, warning that if Iran “violently kills peaceful protesters,” the U.S. would take action. In response, Iranian officials, including Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, have condemned such threats, stating they could lead to chaos throughout the region and endanger U.S. interests. This rhetoric reflects Iran’s ongoing struggle against significant economic challenges, such as rapid currency devaluation and high inflation, exacerbated by years of drought.

A Shift in Tone

Interestingly, Iranian leadership appears to be adopting a more conciliatory stance this time around. President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged that the government holds some responsibility for the current economic turmoil and is seeking viable solutions. Observers have pointed out that this is a marked change from the previously stringent reactions to protests seen in past years.

In June, the U.S. carried out attacks on three Iranian nuclear sites amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Israel. Following that incident, Trump proclaimed the operation a “very successful attack” and has since threatened further military action if Iran’s nuclear ambitions continued unchecked. Meanwhile, Pezeshkian has promised a strong response to any potential aggression.