US to hit Iran ‘very hard’ if more protesters killed, warns Trump

US President Donald Trump has issued a sharp warning to Iran, saying that the United States would respond forcefully if protesters continue to be killed as demonstrations stretch into a second week.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said that Washington was closely monitoring the situation. “We’re watching it very closely. 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,” he said.

The protests began on December 28 in Tehran after shopkeepers launched a strike over rising living costs. The unrest has since spread, driven by public anger over inflation and economic pressure.

According to official figures, at least 12 people have died so far, including members of Iran’s security forces.

The current demonstrations are being described as the most serious unrest in the country since the 2022–2023 protests that erupted after the death of Mahsa Amini in custody.

Amini had been detained by Iran’s morality police over an alleged violation of the country’s strict dress code for women, triggering nationwide protests at the time.