_WHAT’S HAPPENING_
Protests across Iran have spread to around 70 cities, escalating into deadly clashes between demonstrators and government forces. The unrest began with merchants protesting soaring inflation and a collapsing currency, and has since spread, taking on a political character with calls for regime change and a toppling of Ayatollah Khamenei.
In response, President Donald Trump warned Tehran that the United States is prepared to act if the government uses lethal force against what he described as "peaceful protesters."
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