Trump says he may aid protesters in Iran after crackdown

President Donald Trump posted that the U.S. is 'locked and loaded' to help Iranian protesters if security forces fire on them; state-affiliated media and rights groups report at least six deaths amid inflation protests.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on social media that he is "locked and loaded and ready to go" to aid protesters in Iran if security forces fire on them. The remarks came as protests over rising inflation have spread across Iran. Clashes have been reported mainly in western provinces such as Lorestan and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari. Iranian officials and rights groups have reported fatalities and detentions during the unrest. Key facts: - Trump posted that the United States is "locked and loaded and ready to go" if Iranian security forces fire on protesters. - The protests began over soaring inflation and have spread across Iran, with confrontations reported especially in Lorestan and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari provinces. - State-affiliated media and rights groups reported at least six deaths and several arrests during the recent unrest. - Human rights group Hengaw reported 29 protesters detained, including 14 ethnic Kurds, seven Lors, seven women and two children. - Top Iranian official Ali Larijani warned that U.S. interference would destabilize the region and said "Trump started the adventurism," while local officials in western provinces warned unrest would be met decisively. Summary: President Trump's comments have added to diplomatic tension as nationwide protests over the cost of living continued, with multiple fatalities and detentions reported. Undetermined at this time.