Trump warns Iran against violent crackdown on protesters

Friday 02 January 2026 - 10:30

By: Sahili Aya

Trump warns Iran against violent crackdown on protesters

US President Donald Trump warned Iran on Friday that the United States would respond if Iranian authorities violently repress peaceful demonstrators, as protests over rising living costs continue to spread across the country.

In a message published on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said that if Iranian forces were to open fire on peaceful protesters and cause deaths, the United States would be ready to act. He described Washington as prepared and capable of intervening if necessary.

The statement comes amid reports of clashes between protesters and security forces that resulted in several deaths, marking the first fatalities since demonstrations began over economic hardship and soaring inflation. The protests reportedly started in Tehran before expanding to universities and other cities nationwide.

Iranian media reported that dozens of individuals were arrested in the capital on charges related to public order disturbances, although authorities have downplayed the scale of unrest in recent days.

The demonstrations were initially triggered by anger over hyperinflation, unemployment, and declining purchasing power. Merchants in Tehran reportedly closed their shops in protest, signaling growing frustration among various segments of society.

Washington has repeatedly criticized Tehran’s handling of domestic protests, while Iran has accused foreign powers of interfering in its internal affairs. As tensions rise, international observers are closely monitoring developments, warning that further violence could deepen instability in the region.