Yesterday, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi took to X (formerly Twitter) with a fiery message: any meddling by the United States in Iran’s internal affairs will be 'forcefully rejected.' His post replied to U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning on Truth Social that the United States would intervene if Iran 'kills peaceful protesters.' 🚨
Since late December, cities from Tehran to Shiraz have erupted in protests over the rial’s steep drop against the U.S. dollar, which now trades at more than 1.35 million rials on the open market. Students, shopkeepers, and everyday citizens have taken to the streets demanding relief from soaring prices. 📉💸
Araghchi emphasized that peaceful protest is a legitimate right for Iranians facing exchange-rate volatility. But he condemned violence at a few demonstrations—including a police station attack and Molotov cocktails thrown at officers. 'Criminal damage to public property cannot be tolerated,' he wrote, adding that Iran’s armed forces 'are on standby and know exactly where to aim' if sovereignty is breached. 🔥
State media reported that clashes in two provinces over the past 24 hours left at least three protesters dead and 13 security personnel injured. Saeid Pourali, deputy governor of Lorestan province for political, security, and social affairs, blamed 'cruel' Western sanctions for fueling the economic pressures behind the unrest.
Iran’s rial has been under relentless pressure since the United States withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018 and reimposed sanctions. The currency crisis highlights deep challenges in the economy and rising calls for stability. 💔🌐
For now, both sides are digging in: Iran’s leadership defending its sovereignty, and the United States signaling it will watch closely. The next chapter of this high-stakes showdown will play out in the streets of Iran—and on social media. Stay tuned! 👀
Reference(s):
Iranian FM vows to 'forcefully reject' interference after Trump threat
cgtn.com
