Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Friday that the United States would intervene if Iranian authorities begin killing people during the ongoing unrest in the country, but he ruled out the deployment of ground troops. "If they start killing people... we will get involved," Trump informed reporters regarding the situation in Iran. "That doesn't mean boots on the ground, but it means hitting them very, very hard where it hurts," he elaborated.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Trump and other senior U.S. officials have consistently warned that Washington would take action if Iran targets peaceful protesters. In response to these warnings, Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned the remarks from the Trump administration on Wednesday, describing them as "interventionist and deceptive." The ministry stated that these comments reflect Washington's ongoing hostility toward the Iranian populace.

Protests have erupted in several Iranian cities since late December due to the sharp decline in the rial and persistent economic hardships. Iranian authorities have acknowledged the demonstrations, expressing willingness to address economic grievances while cautioning against violence and vandalism. Reports indicate that dozens, including protesters and security personnel, have been killed since the protests began, although there is no official death toll available.