Friday World January 6, 2026
In early January 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump sparked global controversy with a bold post on his Truth Social platform. He declared: "If Iran shots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go." This statement came amid escalating protests in Iran that began in late December 2025, triggered by a severe economic crisis, skyrocketing inflation, and the dramatic depreciation of the Iranian rial to record lows (around 1.45 million rials per U.S. dollar). What started as economic grievances quickly evolved into widespread anti-government demonstrations, marking the largest unrest since the 2022 Mahsa Amini protests.
However, users on X (formerly Twitter) responded with fierce backlash, accusing Trump of hypocrisy and selective interventionism. Many echoed the sentiment: "Not Iran, save Americans first!" This wave of criticism highlighted perceived double standards in U.S. foreign policy, where domestic issues like school shootings, homelessness, and economic hardship take a backseat to overseas threats.
The protests in Iran intensified as the rial's collapse compounded inflation rates exceeding 42% in December 2025, with food prices surging by over 70%. Demonstrators chanted anti-regime slogans, demanding systemic change. Trump's warning followed reports of violent crackdowns by Iranian security forces, but X users framed it as pretext for resource-driven interference rather than genuine concern for human rights.
One user captured the prevailing view: "America's goal isn't rescue—it's Iran's oil and gas." This comment linked Trump's rhetoric to historical U.S. interests in Middle Eastern resources, where "human rights" often serve as a cover for strategic gains.
The strongest reactions focused on America's internal crises. Users pointed out ongoing domestic tragedies that receive far less attention from the administration.
A sarcastic post read: "Why does Trump intervene in every issue? Let Iran free America from school shootings." This jab referenced repeated mass shootings in U.S. schools, which have claimed thousands of lives, yet gun reform remains stalled.
Another asked pointedly: "Why does this man always want to meddle in other countries' affairs? Doesn't he have his own people to take care of?" These questions reflected widespread fatigue among Americans over endless foreign entanglements, contrasting with Trump's "America First" campaign promises.
International voices, including Iranian and pro-Palestinian users, amplified the criticism. Prominent Iranian commentator Seyed Mohammad Marandi (@s_m_marandi) posted: "The American regime lies about everything to kill and loot. America is the great Satan."
This evoked decades of U.S.-Iran tensions, from the 1953 coup to recent conflicts. One user highlighted Gaza: "Has Trump ever done anything to save innocent civilians and children in Gaza? No—he's a partner in the massacre and still arms Israel." Such remarks exposed what many saw as selective outrage in Trump's Middle East policy.
Numerous posts labeled the intervention threat as veiled imperialism under the guise of human rights.
A direct critique stated: "This isn't about saving protesters. It's about maintaining America's right to intervene. 'Human rights' is just an excuse." Another referenced Venezuela: "Trump claims to help Iran's people while America is in conflict with Venezuela and has kidnapped its legitimate president." These examples portrayed U.S. actions as self-serving and inconsistent.
The online debate delivered a unified message: America must prioritize its own challenges first.
One emphatic post summed it up: "America should take care of its own people first. Why this sudden sympathy for Iran's people? It's their nation, their laws—Iranians will handle it. This is just another war for the devil." Global users viewed Trump's statements as political theater aimed at domestic audiences rather than sincere humanitarianism.
This episode underscores how social media has become a powerful platform for public scrutiny of global policies. Trump's "locked and loaded" rhetoric risks heightening tensions in Iran, but X reactions remind the world that foreign interventions often mask domestic shortcomings. As the situation unfolds, the clear message from X rings loud:
Not Iran—save Americans first!
Sajjadali Nayani ✍
Friday World January 6, 2026
