Iran protests intensified across the country as President Donald Trump issued a sharp warning to Tehran over the regime’s violent response to demonstrators. Speaking Sunday evening aboard Air Force One, President Trump said the United States is closely monitoring events and signaled consequences if the Iranian government repeats past crackdowns.
“We’re watching it very closely,” President Trump said. “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.” The remarks marked Trump’s second public warning amid nine consecutive days of unrest.
According to Human Rights Activists in Iran, Iran protests have spread to at least 78 cities and 222 locations, with demonstrators demanding the end of the Islamic Republic led by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The group reported at least 20 deaths, including three children, and nearly 1,000 arrests. More than 40 children have reportedly been detained by security forces.
Iran expert Shukriya Bradost told Fox News Digital that Trump’s comments resonated deeply with demonstrators. “Trump’s warning to the Iranian regime emboldened protesters because it came from a president who had already demonstrated a willingness to confront Tehran directly,” Bradost said, citing the 2020 drone strike that killed Qassem Soleimani.
Veteran analyst Mardo Soghom said the current unrest reflects a deeper shift. “People are not asking for reforms, but unanimously and categorically they are aiming for regime change,” he said.
Activist Masih Alinejad said Trump’s stance sent a clear message. “This is the first time in history that a U.S. President is standing strongly with the people of Iran,” she said, adding that his words “gave hope to the people of Iran.”
