WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has warned Iran that the United States could carry out a “very strong” attack if more protesters are killed during the ongoing demonstrations across the country.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said Washington is closely monitoring the situation in Iran and will respond forcefully if Iranian authorities continue to use violence against demonstrators.
Protests in Iran have now entered their second week, driven by soaring inflation, a deepening economic crisis, and a sharp depreciation of the Iranian rial. Public anger intensified after a strike by shopkeepers in Tehran on December 28, which sparked nationwide demonstrations.
According to official Iranian figures, at least 12 people, including security personnel, have been killed so far during the unrest.
Analysts say the current wave of protests is among the largest and most intense Iran has seen in recent years, surpassing even the demonstrations that followed the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022–2023.
Trump reiterated that the US would not remain silent if Iranian security forces continue to crack down on protesters, signaling the possibility of serious military consequences if the death toll rises further.
