President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Iran, stating that the United States is 'locked and loaded and ready to go' if Iranian authorities violently suppress ongoing protests. The unrest, sparked by economic hardship and high inflation, has led to deadly clashes between protesters and security forces in multiple cities, with reports of several fatalities and mass arrests. Shopkeepers in Tehran have joined the demonstrations, which have spread to other provinces, while riot squads have opened fire and blocked roads to quell the dissent.

Iranian officials have responded to Trump's threats, cautioning that foreign interference could destabilize the region further. The protests mark the largest wave of unrest in three years, with demonstrators chanting anti-government slogans and vowing not to back down despite heavy crackdowns. The situation remains tense as Iran's civilian government signals a willingness to negotiate, but faces significant economic challenges and limited power to address the crisis.

Amid the turmoil, state media has reported arrests of individuals allegedly linked to foreign groups and the confiscation of smuggled weapons. A widely circulated image of a lone protester confronting armed police has drawn comparisons to iconic moments of resistance, highlighting the determination of those demanding change. The current demonstrations, while smaller than those in 2022 following the death of Mahsa Amini, continue to pose a significant challenge to Iran's leadership.