US UAV network attacked, Trump advises Iran to refrain from violence
Washington: President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Iran on Friday, saying the US is prepared to take action if Iranian authorities use lethal force against protesters. Washington announced a new round of sanctions targeting Tehran’s arms and drone network linked to Venezuela.
In a social media post at 2:58 a.m. (local time), Trump said the US would intervene if Iranian security forces “shoot and violently kill peaceful protesters,” and added that Washington is “ready and prepared to act.”
Trump said on Truth Social, “If Iran shoots and violently kills peaceful protesters, as is their custom, the US will come to their aid. We are ready and prepared to act.”
The warning came amid reports pointing to growing unrest in Iran, with media reports of deadly clashes between protesters and security forces during nearly a week of unrest.
The Wall Street Journal reported, “Violence broke out between Iranian protesters and police during unrest on Thursday, leaving at least five people dead on the fifth day of demonstrations over the country’s economic crisis.”
The newspaper said the protests began on Sunday when traders took to the streets to protest a sharp drop in the value of the country’s currency, the rial. It said, “International sanctions imposed on Iran for its refusal to reduce its nuclear goals have led to widespread economic problems, including high inflation and a devaluation of its currency.”
Reacting to Trump’s social media post, Iran’s National Security Council Secretary Ley Larijani warned the US against such a move. He wrote on X, “The American people should know that Trump initiated this adventure, and they should focus on the safety of their troops.”
Larijani said, “We distinguish between the situation of protesting businessmen and the actions of saboteurs, and Trump should understand that US interference in this internal matter will destabilize the entire region and undermine US interests.”
Earlier this week, the US State Department announced sanctions against companies and individuals accused of supporting Iran’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and ballistic missile programs.
In a statement, Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the United States was imposing sanctions on “ten companies and individuals in Iran and Venezuela,” including a Venezuelan company that facilitated the sale of “millions of dollars worth of Iranian-designed combat unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).”
Pigott said these names also include “companies and individuals linked to procurement networks that have supported Iran’s UAV and ballistic missile programs.”
He said, “Iran’s supply of conventional weapons to Caracas threatens US interests in our region.”
According to the State Department, this action underscores the importance of reimposing sanctions and restrictions on Iran under United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The statement said, “The actions taken today against entities and individuals demonstrate that Iran is expanding its combat UAVs and continuing to acquire missile-related components in violation of UN sanctions.”
These developments come amid a long-standing conflict between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program, missile development, and activities in the region. The US has repeatedly used sanctions and diplomatic pressure to curb Iran’s weapons programs.
