Trump hints at US intervention in Iran over protests

Days after meeting with Netanyahu, Trump hints at US intervention in Iran over protests.

Widespread protests broke out in Iran on December 29 when their currency, the rial, sank to a record low against the dollar. The country has been experiencing worsening economic conditions, in large part due to the recent tightening of harsh Western sanctions which have been in place for decades. So far, at least eight people are believed to have been killed in the protests.

President Trump warned today that if any more protesters died, the US would “come to their rescue” and that “we are locked and loaded and ready to go”. While his choice of words is suggestive, Trump stopped short of explicitly threatening military intervention. However, his choice of words strongly hints that such action is possible. Officials tell CNN there have been no significant changes in US troop levels in the Middle East in recent days. However, the US has several means at its disposal to target Iran, including economic pressure and covert action.

The protests began on the very day that Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who urged Trump to allow Israel to take more military action against Iran. Trump said that the US would strike Iran if it did not dismantle its nuclear program, even though there is no indication to date that Iran has plans to weaponize its nuclear assets.