US President Donald Trump threatens Iran with a harsh US response if more protesters are killed, as demonstrations enter a second week
ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE: President Donald Trump warned Iran on Sunday that it would get “hit very hard” by the United States if more protesters die during demonstrations that have entered a second week.
“We’re watching it very closely,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.
He added, “If they start killing people like they have in the past, I think they’re going to get hit very hard by the United States.”
Sparked by a cost-of-living crisis, the protests began with a shopkeeper’s strike in Tehran on December 28.
At least 12 people, including members of the security forces, have been killed since, according to a toll based on official reports.
The demonstrations are the most significant in Iran since a 2022-2023 movement sparked by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini.
Amini had been arrested for allegedly violating Iran’s strict dress code for women.