Trump warns Iran against suppressing protests: We will intervene militarily
In a new escalation of US rhetoric toward Tehran, US President Donald Trump issued strongly worded warnings to the Iranian leadership, asserting that the Iranian regime faces "a big problem" as the popular protests continue and expand across the country. These statements highlight the US position of support for the popular movement in Iran, while also hinting at specific military options should the authorities resort to excessive violence.
Details of the US warning
President Trump stated on Friday that the situation in Iran is becoming increasingly complicated for the ruling regime, noting that protesters have begun to assert control over certain cities—a scenario unforeseen just weeks ago. In direct response to a question about his message to Tehran's leaders, Trump said bluntly, "You better not start shooting because we will start shooting too," adding, "If they start killing people like they have done in the past, we will get involved.".
Nature of potential military intervention
The US president was careful to clarify the nature of the military intervention he was hinting at, denying any intention to send ground troops or engage in a large-scale conventional war. He explained, "This doesn't mean sending ground troops; it means hitting them very hard where it hurts." This statement points to Washington's strategy of relying on precision airstrikes or targeted attacks on vital infrastructure and command centers, rather than becoming embroiled in protracted ground conflicts. This aligns with his administration's military doctrine of reducing its ground presence in the Middle East.
Context of tension and strained relations
These statements cannot be separated from the broader context of strained US-Iranian relations, which witnessed a marked escalation during Trump's presidency, particularly after Washington's withdrawal from the nuclear agreement and the imposition of a "maximum pressure" policy and crippling economic sanctions. Observers believe these sanctions directly contributed to the deterioration of the economic situation in Iran, fueling public anger and prompting citizens to take to the streets in protests against high prices, corruption, and mismanagement.
Regional and international dimensions
These warnings are particularly significant given their potential impact on the stability of the Middle East. Any US military intervention, even a limited one, could provoke retaliatory actions that would affect maritime security in the Arabian Gulf and global oil markets. These statements also place the international community before its responsibilities regarding human rights in Iran, as the US's public support for the protesters is seen as a political pressure tactic aimed at isolating the Iranian regime internationally and undermining its legitimacy domestically.
