Washington, Jan 9 (UNI) President Donald Trump issued a warning Thursday, saying the United States would respond “very hard” if Iranian authorities begin killing protesters, as Iran continues to reel from weeks of unrest driven by economic policies.
Speaking during an interview on The Hugh Hewitt Show, Trump pointed to Iran’s history of violent crackdowns on dissent.
“If they start killing people, which they tend to do during their riots, they have a lot of riots,” he said. “If they do it, we’re going to hit them very hard.”
He added that the message had already been delivered to Tehran in no uncertain terms. “They’ve been told very strongly, much more strongly than I’m speaking to you right now, that if they do that, they’re going to have to pay hell.”
Vice President JD Vance also came in support of demonstrators, emphasising that the US stands with people who protest peacefully, including those in Iran.
“We certainly stand by anybody who’s engaged in peaceful protests, who are advocating for their rights,” Vance told reporters at the White House.
At the same time, he underscored the importance of diplomacy, saying Iran’s best path forward lies in serious negotiations with Washington over its nuclear program. A “real negotiation,” he said, would be the “smartest thing” Tehran could pursue, CNN reported.
Authorities have imposed a nationwide internet blackout in Iran as anti-government protests surge. From major cities to far-flung regions, Iranians poured into the streets, chanting against the ruling theocratic regime as frustration over a collapsing economy and harsh security measures boiled over.
Internet access and phone lines were cut shortly after demonstrations erupted in Tehran and other major cities. The protests, now stretching into their second week, have been fueled by soaring inflation, a rapidly devaluing currency, and widespread economic despair affecting millions.
Demonstrations began on December 28 in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar and gradually spread to bazaars and universities across the country. , after the national currency plummeted past 1,350,000 rials to the dollar. The protests quickly spread beyond the capital to cities across the country.
Demonstrations began on December 28 in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar and gradually spread to bazaars and universities across the country after the national currency plummeted past 1,350,000 rials to the dollar. The protests quickly extended beyond the capital to other cities nationwide.
However, according to a report by the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), at least 38 people have been killed so far, including four members of the security forces. The group also reported dozens of injuries and more than 2,200 arrests.
State-affiliated Tasnim News Agency said 568 police officers were injured during the unrest, along with 66 members of the paramilitary Basij forces.
