Iran Pushes Back At Trump As Protests Over Economic Crisis Intensify

"Trump said in aJanuary 2 post on Truth Social that Washington is "locked and loaded" to respond if Iranian security forces kill more protesters, Tehran's United Nations ambassador, Amir Saeed Iravani, called on the organization to condemn what he said were "unlawful threats" from the US president. Iravani called on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and members of the UN Security Council to "unequivocally and firmly condemn" Trump's "reckless and provocative statements," describing them as a "serious violation" of the UN Charter and international law."

"Iran's leadership also lashed out earlier on January 2, saying American troops in the region could be targeted if Washington interferes amid the deadly protests, which began on December 28 and pose one of the biggest challenges to the Islamic republic's leadership in years. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the country's armed forces were on standby and "know exactly where to aim" in the event of an attack."

"Driven by anger over soaring prices, inflation, and a plunging currency, the demonstrations have swept across Iran after shopkeepers in Tehran went on strike over high prices and economic stagnation. At least nine people had been reportedly killed and 44 arrested in the weeklong unrest. State-controlled media and international rights groups have reported several deaths and dozens of injuries in clashes between demonstrators and security forces, although government-linked news agencies have blamed what they called "rioters" for the violence."

Protests that began December 28 spread across Iran, driven by anger over soaring prices, high inflation, and a plunging currency after Tehran shopkeepers struck over economic stagnation. Demonstrations posed one of the biggest challenges to the Islamic Republic's leadership in years and involved clashes between demonstrators and security forces. State-controlled media and international rights groups reported deaths and dozens of injuries; at least nine people were reportedly killed and 44 arrested during the weeklong unrest. Iranian officials issued warnings and threatened retaliation if Washington interfered, while the US president posted a threat of possible response, prompting calls at the UN to condemn such statements.

Read at RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty