‘Locked and loaded’: Trump warns US will intervene if Iran kills peaceful protesters
Washington: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday issued a strong warning to Iran amid ongoing nationwide protests, saying that if Iran kills peaceful protesters, US will come to their rescue.
According to a report published by Hindustan Times, “We are locked and loaded and ready to go,” Trump said, responding to reports of violent crackdowns on protesters.
Protests erupted in Iran on Sunday, beginning in the capital city of Tehran, after shopkeepers and traders took to the streets to protest the government’s handling of the economy. Demonstrators cited a sharp fall in the national currency, rising inflation, and prolonged economic stagnation. Iran’s official inflation rate stood at 42.5 per cent in December.
The protests intensified after students from at least ten universities joined the demonstrations on Tuesday. Markets have been shut amid the ongoing protests and the government declared a holiday due to cold weather, effectively shutting much of the country.
According to reports, at least seven people have been killed in clashes between protesters and security forces since the demonstrations began. As per the report, protests have spread to multiple provinces, with some confrontations turning fatal over the past 24 hours.
Protesters reportedly clashed with police, hurled stones at officers, and torched vehicles, Iran's Fars news agency said. They claimed that some armed “disturbers” took advantage of the protests and that firearms were later seized from several individuals.
Iran’s civilian government, led by President Masoud Pezeshkian, has tried to show a willingness to engage with protesters.
“From an Islamic perspective... if we do not resolve the issue of people’s livelihoods, we will end up in Hell,” he said at an event aired on state television.
Iran’s economy has been under sustained pressure for years due to US and Western sanctions linked to its nuclear programme. Regional tensions have further strained state finances, particularly following a 12-day conflict with Israel in June.
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26-year-old youth from Andhra dies by suicide in US
Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh) (PTI): A 26-year-old youth from this district has died allegedly by suicide in Chicago, US, recently, due to distress over debt, sources said on Saturday.
The family members of the deceased have requested that the identity of their relative be withheld, noting that his parents are senior citizens suffering from medical conditions.
Reacting to the incident, Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh expressed condolences and assured assistance for the repatriation of the mortal remains of the deceased.
"My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. I request Union Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu to ensure smooth and hassle-free transport of the mortal remains," Lokesh said in a post on X.
An NRI community member from the US posted on social media that one of their members from Kurnool on Optional Practical Training (OPT) passed away in Chicago a few days ago.
He said Telugu Association of North America (TANA) had completed all necessary documentation and formalities to send the mortal remains to India for final rites.
He further requested assistance in expediting the cargo pickup, currently scheduled for Sunday, seeking an earlier arrangement considering the urgency.
(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the state’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416.)
