Iran Protests Intensify Amid Trump's Intervention Threats; Leaders Fear "Next Victim" Status

• Iran faces escalating anti-government protests fueled by economic crisis and broader frustrations, with at least 17 deaths reported.
• Donald Trump's threats of intervention, underscored by the US capture of Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro, complicate Tehran's response.
• Iranian officials fear the country could be "the next victim" of Trump's aggressive foreign policy, especially after recent Israeli-US strikes.
• The protests, though smaller than 2022-23 unrest, now include chants against the Islamic Republic and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
• Iran's economy is severely hit by US sanctions, currency freefall, and high inflation, prompting government to offer a modest monthly stipend.

Why It Matters: Iran struggles with internal protests and economic woes, fearing US intervention after Trump's threats.