India, Jan. 11 -- Tensions between the United States and Iran have sharply escalated as President Donald Trump openly backed anti-government protesters in Iran, while Tehran issued stark warnings that demonstrators could face the death penalty. The parallel developments come as protests spread across major Iranian cities, turning into one of the most serious challenges to the country's clerical leadership in recent years.

The demonstrations, which began over economic distress and the collapse of Iran's currency, have now evolved into direct political dissent. Protesters have openly called for the overthrow of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, prompting a fierce response from Iranian authorities and drawing strong reactions from Wash...