The exchange follows a volatile summer during which the United States bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities in June, an operation Washington said was intended to curtail Tehran’s atomic ambitions. Iran retaliated days later with missile strikes on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, home to thousands of American service members. No casualties were reported in that incident, but the episode underscored the fragility of security in the Gulf.
The current demonstrations began last week amid growing frustration over rising food prices, high unemployment and a weakening national currency. Although protests have appeared sporadically across Iran in recent years, analysts say the geographic spread of the latest rallies—from the capital, Tehran, to provincial cities such as Mashhad and Isfahan—indicates widening discontent. Iranian state media has acknowledged scattered clashes between demonstrators and security forces, while activists abroad have circulated videos showing crowds chanting against the government.
Washington has long maintained a significant military presence in the Gulf, notably at bases in Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. According to the U.S. Central Command, tens of thousands of American personnel operate in the region, supporting naval patrols through the Strait of Hormuz and counter-terrorism operations in neighboring states. Larijani’s remarks suggested that these forces could become targets if tensions were to intensify.
The Iranian official’s comments echoed frequent accusations by Tehran that foreign powers orchestrate domestic unrest. Iranian leaders have historically pointed to alleged Western influence during previous protest cycles, including demonstrations in 2009 and 2019. The United States has denied directing Iranian protest movements, though successive administrations have expressed public support for what they describe as legitimate grievances among Iranian citizens.
Friday’s social-media confrontation came against a backdrop of stalled diplomatic efforts to revive the multinational agreement that once limited Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. The United States withdrew from the accord in 2018, reimposing economic penalties that have contributed to inflation and shortages inside Iran. Negotiations to restore the deal have remained frozen since early 2025.
Iranian state television reported additional deployments of Revolutionary Guard units to several provinces overnight, while unverified footage circulated online appeared to show armored vehicles in city centers. Human-rights groups outside the country cautioned that casualty figures could rise if authorities resort to force on a larger scale. The Iranian government has not issued a comprehensive tally of arrests or injuries related to the demonstrations.
In Washington, the White House declined to elaborate on possible military responses alluded to in the president’s post. A spokesperson reiterated the administration’s position that Iranians have the right to assemble peacefully. Members of Congress from both parties have urged Tehran to avoid violence and have pressed the State Department for briefings on contingency planning.
Regional governments are monitoring the situation closely. The Gulf Cooperation Council, headquartered in Riyadh, released a statement urging restraint on all sides to prevent what it called “a broader security crisis.” Energy analysts note that prolonged instability in Iran could influence global oil markets, given the country’s considerable production capacity and its strategic location along key shipping lanes.
For now, demonstrations continue, and both governments remain on alert. With public anger inside Iran persisting and no indication of renewed talks between Washington and Tehran, the prospect of miscalculation looms over a region already shaken by recent military exchanges.
Crédito da imagem: Associated Press
