Iran Warns U.S. at UN After Trump Threatens Military Action Over Protests

January 3, 2026

Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated sharply after U.S. President Trump warned that Washington is prepared to intervene militarily if Iranian authorities violently suppress ongoing nationwide protests, Prime Business Africa reports.

“If Iran shoots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue,” Trump said. “We are locked and loaded and ready to go.”

Iran swiftly rejected the warning, formally escalating the dispute to the United Nations Security Council. In a letter addressed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and circulated as an official Security Council document, Iran described Trump’s remarks as “reckless, interventionist, and inflammatory.”

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The letter, signed by Iran’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani, said Tehran “unequivocally rejects and strongly condemns” the U.S. president’s statements and reaffirmed Iran’s “inherent right to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security.”

“Iran will exercise its rights decisively and proportionately,” the letter stated, adding that the United States “bears full responsibility for any consequences” arising from what it called unlawful threats and any resulting escalation.

Iran’s top security official, Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, had earlier warned that any U.S. interference would lead to “chaos across the entire region” and the “destruction of American interests,” advising Americans to “look after their soldiers.” He accused the U.S. and Israel of acting as “destructive elements” seeking to exploit Iran’s internal unrest.

The protests among the largest Iran has witnessed in years have been fueled by worsening economic conditions, including rising inflation and a sharply weakening currency. Clashes between demonstrators and security forces have resulted in at least two confirmed deaths, with dozens more injured or arrested, according to reports.

International concern has grown as the unrest continues. Several countries, including Australia, have condemned the use of force against protesters and urged Iranian authorities to respect human rights.

Analysts say the sharp exchange reflects deepening U.S.–Iran hostilities, already strained by sanctions reinstated after Washington’s withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal.

With the dispute now formally before the UN Security Council, diplomats warn that rhetoric from both sides risks further escalation at a time of heightened regional volatility.

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Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.

Amanze Chinonye

Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.

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