Iran has condemned U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning of possible intervention as protests over the economy turn deadly.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described Trump’s comments as “reckless and dangerous” after the U.S. president said Washington would intervene if peaceful protesters were killed.

Trump wrote on social media that the U.S. would “come to their rescue” and added: “We are locked and loaded and ready to go,” without specifying what action might be taken.

Araghchi responded by saying Iran’s armed forces were on standby and “know exactly where to aim” in the event of an attack. He said Iran would “forcefully reject any interference” in its internal affairs.

At least eight people have reportedly been killed during week-long protests across Iran, sparked by a sharp fall in the value of the rial. Demonstrations began in Tehran among shopkeepers and later spread to universities and several cities.

Iranian police said they would not allow what they called “enemies” to turn unrest into chaos, as clashes between protesters and security forces were reported.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said he would listen to protesters’ “legitimate demands,” while the prosecutor general warned of a “decisive response” to instability. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said protests over the economy were understandable but warned that “rioters must be put in their place.”

Iran’s UN ambassador has asked the UN Security Council to condemn Trump’s remarks, warning the U.S. would bear responsibility for any escalation.

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