02.01.2026 17:01
Protests caused by the depreciation of Iran's currency, the rial, have escalated to an international level. The U.S. received a strong response from Iran after expressing support for the protesters with the statement, "We are ready to fire." Iran warned that "U.S. bases are legitimate targets in possible provocations."
The protests that started on December 28 against the rising cost of living in Iran have entered their sixth day. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that his country would intervene if Iran kills the protesters. Iran responded to Trump's remarks.
THE EVENTS HAVE BEEN GOING ON FOR DAYS
Since December 28, the people of Iran have taken to the streets in response to the sharp depreciation of the rial. While large-scale protests are taking place in the capital Tehran, the deepening economic crisis and claims that Central Bank Governor Mohammad Reza Farzin has resigned are increasing uncertainty in the country.
BUSINESSES HAVE CLOSED
In the capital, hundreds of businesses have shut their shutters. Demonstrators gathered in the city center reacted to the rapid depreciation of the rial, while some groups shouted anti-government and anti-regime slogans. Protesters called for urgent measures to ensure price stability and to address the currency crisis that erodes purchasing power.
THERE ARE CASUALTIES
According to the Iran-based semi-official Fars News Agency, two people were killed in clashes in the city of Lordegan in southwestern Iran. The agency also reported that three people were killed in the city of Azna in western Iran and one in the city of Kouhdasht. The Norway-based human rights organization Hengaw announced that a young man named Khodadad Shirvani was killed by security forces in the city of Marvdasht.
Hengaw also stated that the deceased in Lordegan were protesters named Ahmed Jalil and Sejjad Velamanesh. The human rights organization noted that during the protests, security forces detained 29 people, including women and children, in various cities.
PROTESTERS TARGET THE RELIGIOUS GOVERNMENT
According to state media, 13 police and Basij members (militia-police) were injured as a result of stone-throwing attacks. Footage shared on social media shows vehicles being set on fire during clashes between protesters and security forces, with demonstrators chanting slogans targeting the country's religious government.
Due to 'cold weather', schools, universities, and public institutions have been declared closed nationwide.
TRUMP: WE ARE READY TO ACT
U.S. President Donald Trump stated on his social media account, "If Iran kills and shoots peaceful protesters as it always does, the U.S. will come to their aid. We are ready to act."
"U.S. INTERVENTION WILL DESTABILIZE THE ENTIRE REGION"
Iran quickly responded to Trump's remarks. Ali Larijani, the senior advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, made a statement emphasizing the nature of the protests: "We know that the position of the protesting entrepreneurs is separate from provocative elements, and Trump should understand that American intervention in this internal matter is equivalent to destabilizing the entire region and destroying U.S. interests."
IRAN'S RESPONSE TO TRUMP: WE WILL STRIKE YOUR BASES
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf issued a warning to U.S. President Donald Trump, who used the phrase "We are ready to fire." Qalibaf threatened Trump, stating that if the Iranian government attacks the protesters, "We will strike your bases."
In his statement, Qalibaf said:
"With this official confession, Trump should know that all American centers and forces in the region will be seen as legitimate targets from our perspective to counter any possible adventurism."