Iran warns U.S.: protests are country's internal affair

The U.S. interference in Iran’s internal affairs is tantamount to destabilizing the entire Middle East and will lead to the crushing of Washington’s interests in the region, Iranian Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani said in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to support protesters in the country.

"We consider the positions of the protesting merchants separate from those of the destructive elements, and Trump should know that American interference in this internal issue is equivalent to chaos across the entire region and the destruction of American interests," Ali Larijani said.

Earlier, Trump said that "if Iran violently kills peaceful protesters", the U.S. will come to their rescue.

Senior advisor to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ali Shamkhani said that any interventionist hand approaching Iran’s security under false pretexts will be cut off before reaching the country with a regret-inducing response.

“The Iranian people know the American idea of “rescue” all too well - from the experience of Iraq and Afghanistan to Gaza," Ali Shamkhani said.

He stressed that Iran’s national security is "a red line, not a playground for reckless posts".