Former US President Donald Trump announced on January 2, 2026, via his Truth Social platform, that the United States stands "locked and loaded" to intervene if Iranian authorities violently suppress the ongoing anti-government protests. His statement threatened a forceful response should Iran use lethal measures against demonstrators, citing past instances of violent crackdowns as a custom of the Iranian regime. This declaration followed days of widespread protests across Iran, initially sparked by severe economic hardship, soaring inflation, and a collapsing currency, which have since evolved into broader anti-establishment demonstrations. Reports indicate multiple fatalities and numerous arrests amid clashes between protesters and security forces across various Iranian provinces. In a direct response to Trump's threats, a senior Iranian official warned neighboring countries around January 14, 2026, that US military bases hosted in their territories would be legitimate targets if Washington were to launch any strikes against Iran. This warning led to reports of the United States withdrawing some personnel from its bases in the Middle East, notably from the Al Udeid airbase in Qatar, as a precautionary measure due to heightened regional tensions. Iranian officials, including Ali Larijani, condemned Trump's remarks as interference in Iran's internal affairs and a violation of international law, accusing the US of inciting violence. The escalating rhetoric underscores a period of significant instability in the Middle East, with potential implications for regional and global security.