image sourced from original article at Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated Friday as President Donald Trump and senior Iranian officials exchanged threats amid growing economic protests in Iran. Trump warned that the United States would intervene if Iranian authorities violently suppressed demonstrators, while Iranian leaders accused the United States and Israel of fueling unrest and threatened regional chaos if the United States intervened.
The protests, sparked by the collapse of Iran's currency, have become the largest since 2022 but remain less intense than previous nationwide demonstrations. Iran's government, led by reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian, has expressed willingness to negotiate with protesters but admits limited ability to address the economic crisis.
Meanwhile, Iran has signaled openness to nuclear negotiations by halting uranium enrichment, though talks with the West have yet to resume. The standoff continues as both sides warn of further escalation and the protests show no sign of abating.
