Washington: US President Donald Trump has intensified his rhetoric regarding the ongoing situation in Iran, declaring that the United States is "ready to help" while simultaneously renewing threats against Tehran if authorities crack down on protesters.
Taking to his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump claimed that the Middle Eastern nation is on the verge of significant change. "Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!" he posted.
The President's comments follow a series of warnings from senior US officials cautioning Tehran against violence. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump explicitly stated that Washington would intervene if the situation deteriorates into bloodshed. "If they start killing people... we will get involved," he said. While ruling out "boots on the ground," he threatened to hit the Iranian regime "very, very hard where it hurts."
The Iranian government has sharply criticized the US stance. On Wednesday, Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned the Trump administration's comments as "interventionist and deceptive," arguing that they reflect Washington's persistent hostility toward the Iranian people.
Protests have broken out in several Iranian cities since late December, driven by a sharp devaluation of the rial and persistent economic hardships. While acknowledging the economic grievances, Iranian authorities have warned against violence and vandalism.
Amid the unrest, the Iranian military has vowed to defend national interests and protect strategic infrastructure. In a statement broadcast by the state-run IRIB, the military accused foreign adversaries, specifically Israel and "hostile terrorist organizations", of inciting the unrest to undermine public security.
Describing the situation as being "in the middle of a war," the military statement urged citizens to remain vigilant and unite to "thwart the enemy's plots." It further affirmed that the army, along with other armed forces under Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, would resolutely monitor enemy movements and safeguard public property.
(Inputs from IANS)