US warns Iran against lethal crackdown on protesters
US President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened severe action against Iran if its authorities resort to killing protesters amid intensifying civil unrest driven by a worsening economic crisis.
Speaking in an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, Trump said Washington was closely monitoring Tehran’s response to the protests and warned of harsh consequences if lethal force was used.
“I have let them know that if they start killing people — which they tend to do during their riots — we are going to hit them very hard,” Trump said.
Iran has been gripped by nationwide protests since late December, triggered by soaring prices, unemployment, and deep economic distress. Local media reports and official statements indicate that at least 21 people, including members of the security forces, have been killed since the unrest began.
On Thursday night, a nationwide internet blackout was reported across Iran, with both internet services and telephone lines cut after demonstrators in Tehran and other cities joined a protest call issued by Iran’s exiled Crown Prince.
What began as economic protests has rapidly escalated into one of the most serious challenges to Iran’s theocratic leadership in years, with the death toll rising amid an ongoing crackdown by authorities now stretching into its twelfth day.
For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.
Love Trump. Love Greenland + Macron + Friedrich Merz + Zelensky
Love USA. Love Denmark.
Love the way they fight with each other