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Trump Warns Iran: US "Watching Very Closely" Over Protest Crackdowns

President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iran, stating the United States is closely monitoring its handling of domestic protests. He declared that if Iranian authorities begin killing civilians, they will be hit "very hard" by the US. While emphasizing vigilance and readiness, Trump did not specify what form any potential US response might take or outline immediate measures. His comments link regional instability, including in Venezuela and Cuba, to broader US national security concerns.

Key Points: Trump Warns Iran Against Killing Protesters, US "Watching"

  • Trump warns Iran over protest crackdown
  • US "watching very closely" for lethal force
  • Response would be "very hard" if killings start
  • No specific measures or timeline outlined
  • Links regional instability to US security
2 min read

Trump warns Iran over protests, says US 'watching very closely'

President Trump warns Iran of a "very hard" US response if authorities kill civilians amid protests, stating America is "watching very closely."

"If they start killing people as they have in the past, I think they're going to get hit very hard by the United States. - Donald Trump"

Washington, Jan 5

US President Donald Trump warned Iran against using violence to suppress protests, saying the United States is closely monitoring the situation and would respond forcefully if Iranian authorities begin killing civilians.

Aboard Air Force One on his way back to the White House from Mar-a-Lago, Trump was asked about reports of protesters being killed in Iran and his earlier comments that the US was "locked and loaded."

"We'll take a look," Trump said. "We're watching it very closely."

Trump drew a clear line around the use of lethal force by Iranian authorities. "If they start killing people as they have in the past, I think they're going to get hit very hard by the United States," he said.

The president did not specify what form a US response might take, nor did he outline any immediate military or economic measures. Notably, the US has deployed considerable military asset in the region.

Trump's comments in response to a question, however, underscored that Washington is actively tracking developments inside Iran and considering its options. But he gave no timeline or trigger point. "We're watching it very closely," he reiterated.

The comments came amid broader remarks by Trump linking instability in several regions to US national security concerns. Throughout the Air Force One exchange, Trump repeatedly framed unrest, drug trafficking, and authoritarian violence as interconnected threats that require decisive responses.

While Trump did not draw direct comparisons during his Iran remarks, his warning followed strong language directed at Venezuela, Cuba, and other countries he described as destabilising forces in their regions.

Trump has previously accused Iran of violently suppressing dissent during past waves of protests and has used economic sanctions and military deterrence as pressure tools. In this exchange, he stopped short of announcing new measures, instead emphasising vigilance and readiness.

"If they start killing people," Trump said, repeating the condition under which US action could follow.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Another warning from Trump. All talk, no action. The region doesn't need more instability. India has good relations with many Gulf nations; we hope for peace for the sake of our diaspora and energy security.
A
Aman W
Respectfully, I think the US should not interfere in other countries' internal matters. Every nation has its own way. India has always believed in non-interference and peaceful coexistence. Let Iran handle its own affairs.
S
Sarah B
Watching closely? That's what they always say. The people of Iran deserve to protest peacefully without fear. Hope the situation de-escalates for everyone's sake.
V
Vikram M
This affects global oil prices directly. As a developing economy, India needs stable energy costs. Foreign intervention rarely leads to quick solutions. Complex issue.
K
Karthik V
The US military assets in the region are a bigger concern than the warnings. Any conflict will have ripple effects across Asia. India must continue its balanced diplomacy with all parties.

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