Tehran: Iranian officials have reacted strongly to a threat by US President Donald Trump to intervene in the ongoing protests in the country, which have erupted amid worsening economic conditions.
According to Anadolu Agency, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stated that Iranians would not allow foreign interference and would resolve their problems 'through dialogue and engagement.' Baghaei emphasized the historical context of American interventions, referencing the 1953 coup against Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh, the 1988 downing of an Iranian airliner, US support for Saddam Hussein during the Iran-Iraq war, and backing for Israel during recent conflicts.
In response to Trump's recent comments, where he suggested the US might 'come to the rescue' if Iran harms peaceful protesters, Iranian officials have voiced strong objections. Ali Shamkhani, a senior adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, criticized Trump's statements as adventurist, warning that any interference would provoke a severe response from Iran. He stressed the importance of Iran's national security, stating that it is not a matter for external meddling.
Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, also cautioned that US interference could destabilize the Middle East and harm US interests. He differentiated between legitimate protests by Iranian shopkeepers and actions by what he described as disruptive elements. Larijani warned that any US involvement could lead to regional instability and adverse consequences for America.
The protests, sparked by economic grievances, began at Tehran's Grand Bazaar and have spread nationwide. In some areas, they have turned violent, leading to reports of casualties. The Iranian government has accused external forces of inciting violence among otherwise peaceful protesters. The economic turmoil, highlighted by the rial's sharp depreciation to 135,000.0 against the US dollar, has severely impacted local businesses, fueling the unrest.