ian security forces resorted to lethal violence against demonstrators. The statement marked one of the strongest public positions taken by Washington since the protests began, signaling heightened scrutiny of Tehran’s actions. Iranian officials swiftly rejected the warning, describing it as an unacceptable interference in the country’s internal affairs. Senior figures close to Iran’s leadership cautioned that any foreign involvement would cross a “ red line ,” stressing that Iran would defend its sovereignty against external pressure. As rhetoric escalated, Iranian hardliners warned that U.S. military personnel and bases in the region could become legitimate targets if Washington took direct action. The remarks underscored the growing risk that domestic unrest inside Iran could spill over into a broader geopolitical confrontation. The protests, initially triggered by a deteriorating economy and rising living costs, have evolved into a wider expression of frustration with governance and state authority. Demonstrations have spread across multiple provinces, making them among the most significant challenges to Iran’s leadership in recent years. Analysts warn that the convergence of internal instability and international threats could prove volatile. Any further escalation — whether through a harsher crackdown or foreign intervention — could deepen instability in the Middle East at a time of already heightened regional tensions. For now, Iran’s leadership appears determined to suppress the unrest, while Washington’s warnings signal a growing readiness to respond diplomatically — or otherwise — if the situation worsens. Source: The Guardian