Iranian Foreign Minister Condemns Trump’s Intervention Threat as Death Toll Rises to Eight
Updated (2 articles)
Escalating Protests Trigger Eight Fatalities Across Multiple Cities Demonstrations sparked by a sharp rial collapse began in Tehran and quickly spread to Lordegan, Azna, Kouhdasht, Fuladshahr and Marvdasht, where at least eight people have been killed according to state media and local agencies [1][2]. The BBC notes that verification of each death remains incomplete and that some reports do not specify whether the deceased were protesters or security personnel [2]. The unrest has been described as the broadest anti‑government movement since the 2022 uprising, with chants against clerical rule and calls for regime change [2].
Trump Announces U.S. Readiness to Intervene in Iran On January 2, former President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that the United States is “locked and loaded and ready to go,” warning Tehran against killing protesters [2]. He offered no operational details, but the statement signals a possible U.S. military response and adds diplomatic tension to the crisis [2]. The post follows earlier U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June, which Tehran disputes as having delayed its nuclear program [2].
Iranian Officials Issue Strong Rebuttal to U.S. Threat Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned Trump’s warning as reckless, declaring that Iran’s armed forces are on standby and “know exactly where to aim” if attacked [1]. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called for order, stating that rioters must be put in their place while acknowledging some shopkeeper protests as legitimate [1]. Both officials framed the U.S. threat as hostile interference in Iran’s internal affairs [1].
Regional Adviser Cautions Against U.S. Interference Senior adviser Ali Larijani warned that any U.S. move could plunge the region into chaos, jeopardizing stability and American interests [2]. His caution underscores internal Iranian concerns about external escalation amid the protests [2]. The warning directly responded to Trump’s January 2 post [2].
Discrepancies Remain Over Death Toll Verification While both BBC articles report eight deaths, they differ on source reliability: the January 4 piece cites police‑station incidents in Malekshahi and multiple city reports, whereas the January 2 report relies on Fars news agency and Hengaw, noting incomplete verification [1][2]. The lack of independent confirmation leaves the exact casualty count uncertain [2].
Sources
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1.
BBC: Iran denounces Trump's intervention warning as protests escalate and deaths rise: Details the Jan 4 statements by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Supreme Leader Khamenei, the eight‑person death toll, protest spread, and Iran’s condemnation of Trump’s threat .
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2.
BBC: Trump warns Iran as eight die in Iran protests: Covers Trump’s “locked and loaded” warning on Jan 2, the city‑by‑city death tally, adviser Ali Larijani’s caution, economic grievances driving the protests, and reference to June U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites .
Timeline
June 2025 – The United States carries out air strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities on President Trump’s orders, which U.S. officials say significantly delay Tehran’s nuclear program, while Iran disputes the impact. [2]
Late 2025 – Iran’s rial collapses sharply against the dollar, sparking economic grievances that later ignite nationwide protests, the broadest dissent since the 2022 uprising. [2]
Jan 2, 2026 – President Trump posts on Truth Social that the United States is “locked and loaded and ready to go,” warning Iran against killing protesters and hinting at possible intervention without detailing any concrete action. [2]
Jan 2, 2026 – Senior adviser Ali Larijani cautions Trump that U.S. interference could trigger regional chaos and threaten American interests, underscoring heightened diplomatic tension. [2]
Jan 2, 2026 – Protests erupt in Tehran over the rial’s collapse and quickly spread to at least five cities—Lordegan, Azna, Kouhdasht, Fuladshahr, and Marvdasht—resulting in eight reported deaths, with casualties including both demonstrators and security personnel. [2]
Jan 2, 2026 – Demonstrators chant against clerical rule, some calling for an end to Ayatollah Khamenei’s leadership or a return to monarchy, marking the movement as the broadest since the 2022 uprising. [2]
Jan 3, 2026 – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denounces Trump’s intervention warning as reckless and dangerous, stating Iran’s armed forces stand ready and know exactly where to aim if attacked. [1]
Jan 3, 2026 – Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addresses the protests, demanding rioters be “put in their place,” while acknowledging that some shopkeeper protests are legitimate and blaming foreign enemies for provocation. [1]
Jan 3, 2026 – The death toll from the protests rises to at least eight, with fatalities reported in multiple cities and a police‑station incident in Malekshahi, intensifying security crackdowns. [1]
Jan 3, 2026 – Demonstrations continue to spread across Tehran and several other cities, with clashes between security forces and protesters, though independent verification of all deaths remains pending. [1]