Strong Support from the U.S. President for the People of Iran

Donald Trump, the President of the United States, warned early Friday that if the Islamic Republic resorts to killing protesters, the United States will intervene. In a message on the social media platform 'Truth Social,' Donald Trump wrote that if the Iranian government 'shoots at peaceful protesters and violently kills them — which is their usual practice — the United States will come to their aid.' He added: 'We are in a complete state of readiness and prepared to act.' This warning from Donald Trump comes as protests that began due to the worsening economic situation in Iran continue in various cities, raising concerns about severe repression by government forces. Reports indicate that the most intense violence has occurred in western Iran, where videos shared on social media have recorded gunfire during nighttime protests. Previously, the U.S. State Department stated to Voice of America that it would continue its 'maximum pressure' campaign against the Islamic Republic of Iran. A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, in response to a question from Voice of America regarding the expansion of anti-government protests and strikes in Iran, expressed their views on these developments and Washington's message to the protesters and the Islamic Republic. The spokesperson said, 'These protests reflect the understandable anger of the Iranian people at their government's failures and excuses.' The spokesperson noted that 'for decades, the Iranian government has ignored the economy, agriculture, water, and electricity of the country to spend billions of dollars on terrorist proxy forces and nuclear weapons research' and has 'engaged in terrorist actions against the United States and its allies.' The U.S. State Department stated, 'The Iranian government continues to squander the country's wealth to support terrorism worldwide and repress the Iranian people who seek and deserve a better life.' The State Department emphasized that 'we will continue our maximum pressure on this government.' As anti-government protests continue in Iran, several representatives from both parties in the U.S. Congress have expressed support for the Iranian people and condemned the repressive policies of the Islamic Republic on the social media platform 'X.' Tom McClintock, a Republican representative from California, wrote in a message on his official account: 'The people of Iran have been tortured for a long time. Freedom and justice go hand in hand. The freedom of the Iranian people means achieving justice against Iran's dictators, and the day of Iran's liberation is fast approaching.' Nancy Mace, a Republican representative from South Carolina, also wrote a message to the Iranian people: '[Your] courage is louder than terrorism, tyranny, and fear. The world sees you, the world supports you, and we believe in you.' She added: 'Freedom will prevail.' Senator Pete Ricketts, a Republican from Nebraska, emphasized in a statement: 'We must continue to increase pressure on the Ayatollah and his gang of thugs while supporting the brave people of Iran who risk their lives for freedom.' Brendan Boyle, a Democratic representative from Pennsylvania, wrote on the social media platform X that witnessing the courage of many Iranians protesting against the 'brutal regime' is inspiring. Mike Waltz, a Republican representative and former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, stated: 'The people of Iran want freedom and have suffered for years under the Ayatollahs.' Roger Wicker, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, also announced that Iranians have taken to the streets in response to the 'economic devastation caused by terrorist-supporting leadership' and should be supported for having 'wise and accountable leadership.' Joe Wilson, a senior Republican member of the House of Representatives, expressed hope that the people of Iran could also free themselves from dictatorship, recalling the fate of Bashar al-Assad. Brad Sherman, a Democrat representative, also stated: 'The people of Iran have once again taken to the streets to protest against a repressive regime; a regime that consumes the country's resources for endless proxy wars in the region.' In recent days, the U.S. State Department and several American figures and politicians have also reacted in separate statements and messages to the expansion of protests in Iran and supported the protesting people. The Persian account of the U.S. State Department on the social media platform X wrote that as the value of the Iranian currency has fallen to its lowest historical level against the dollar, hundreds have gathered in the Grand Bazaar of Tehran to protest the economic conditions. The State Department emphasized that 'brave Iranians continue to raise their voices despite violence and the presence of security forces,' urging Iranian officials to respect the fundamental rights of the people and their legitimate demands instead of repression.