US 'locked and loaded'

US President Donald Trump and top Iranian officials have exchanged threats as widening economic protests sweep across parts of the Islamic Republic.

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The threats further escalate tensions between the countries after America bombed Iranian nuclear sites in June.

Mr Trump initially wrote on his Truth Social platform, warning Iran that if it “violently kills peaceful protesters” the United States “will come to their rescue”.

At least seven people have been killed so far in violence surrounding demonstrations, sparked in part by the collapse of Iran’s rial currency.

“We are locked and loaded and ready to go,” Mr Trump wrote, without elaborating.