Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Jan 2: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday issued a stark warning amid escalating unrest in Iran, stating on his Truth Social platform, “We are locked and loaded and ready to go.”

The warning comes as violent protests across Iran have left at least seven people dead, according to media reports. Demonstrations that began on Sunday in Tehran have spread to several provinces, driven by public anger over a sharp currency fall, prolonged economic stagnation, and soaring inflation, which officially reached 42.5 per cent in December.

The protests initially saw shopkeepers joining the streets but gained momentum when students from at least ten universities participated on Tuesday. Markets across parts of the country were closed, and the government declared a holiday citing cold weather, effectively bringing large areas to a standstill.

CNN reported that clashes over the past 24 hours turned deadly in several regions. Iran’s Fars news agency said demonstrators hurled stones at security personnel, set vehicles on fire, and that armed “disturbers” took advantage of the gatherings, with authorities seizing firearms from multiple individuals.

Iran’s civilian government, led by President Masoud Pezeshkian, has signalled a willingness to engage with protesters. Speaking on state television, Pezeshkian acknowledged the public’s economic grievances, saying, “From an Islamic perspective… if we do not resolve the issue of people’s livelihoods, we will end up in Hell."

Iran’s economy has faced prolonged pressure due to US and Western sanctions linked to its nuclear programme. The situation has been worsened by regional tensions, including a 12-day conflict with Israel in June, further straining state finances and deepening public dissatisfaction.