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Ex-President Trump has threatened to intervene in Iran if its regime kill protesters, resulting in admonishments from Iran's leadership that any US intervention would overstep a definitive limit.

A Public Declaration Ignites Diplomatic Strain

In a public declaration on recently, Trump stated that if Iran were to use deadly force against protesters, the US would “intervene on their behalf”. He further stated, “our response is imminent,” without explaining what that might mean in actual terms.

Protests Enter the Sixth Day Amid Financial Strain

Demonstrations across the nation are now in their latest phase, marking the most significant in recent memory. The current unrest were sparked by an steep fall in the Iranian rial on recently, with its worth dropping to about a record depreciation, worsening an already beleaguered economy.

Seven people have been reported killed, including a volunteer for the paramilitary organization. Footage have shown security forces armed with shotguns, with the sound of shooting audible in the video.

Tehran's Authorities Deliver Stark Rebukes

Addressing Trump’s threat, Ali Shamkhani, counselor for the supreme leader, stated that Iran’s national security were a “non-negotiable limit, not fodder for reckless social media posts”.

“Any external involvement targeting Iran security on any excuse will be severed with a regret-inducing response,” he said.

A separate high-ranking figure, the secretary of Iran’s supreme national security council, accused the foreign powers of orchestrating the demonstrations, a typical response by officials when addressing protests.

“The US should understand that American involvement in this national affair will lead to destabilisation of the Middle East and the damage to Washington's stakes,” the official declared. “The public must know that the former president is the one that started this adventure, and they should consider the well-being of their troops.”

Context of Conflict and Demonstration Nature

The nation has previously warned against US troops based in the Middle East in the past, and in June it attacked Al-Udeid airbase in Qatar after the American attacks on related infrastructure.

The current protests have been centered in Tehran but have also spread to other urban centers, such as a major city. Business owners have gone on strike in protest, and activists have gathered on campuses. While the currency crisis are the central grievance, demonstrators have also voiced anti-government slogans and decried what they said was graft and poor governance.

Government Response Evolves

The head of state, the president, first called for representatives, taking a less confrontational approach than the government did during the earlier demonstrations, which were put down harshly. Pezeshkian noted that he had ordered the administration to listen to the demonstrators' core grievances.

The recent deaths of protesters, however, could signal that officials are adopting a tougher stance as they address the unrest as they persist. A statement from the state security apparatus on Monday cautioned that it would take a harsh line against any outside meddling or “internal strife” in the country.

While Iranian authorities face domestic dissent, it has tried to stave off claims from the US that it is rebuilding its nuclear activities. Iran has said that it is halted enrichment activities domestically and has expressed it is open for talks with the international community.