Trump Warns Iran Over Protests, Says US ‘Watching Very Closely’
President emphasizes US readiness to respond if Iranian authorities harm civilians amid ongoing unrest
Washington, Jan 5: US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Iran on Monday, urging the country not to use violence against protesters and stating that the United States is closely monitoring developments. He added that lethal action against civilians would prompt a forceful US response.
Speaking aboard Air Force One while returning to the White House from Mar-a-Lago, Trump was asked about reports of casualties among Iranian protesters. He reiterated, “We’re watching it 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.”
Trump did not specify the form or timeline of a potential US response, but his remarks underscored Washington’s vigilance and willingness to act if Iranian authorities escalate violence.
Context and broader US stance
The comments come amid ongoing unrest in Iran, where protests have erupted over political and economic grievances. Trump framed the situation within a broader pattern of instability in other regions, citing countries such as Venezuela and Cuba as examples of destabilizing forces.
The US has previously used sanctions and military deterrence as tools against Iran, but Trump emphasized monitoring and readiness rather than announcing new measures at this time. “If they start killing people,” he stressed, repeating the condition under which US action could follow.
Trump’s remarks highlight the delicate balance of diplomacy and deterrence, signalling both caution and readiness to act in defense of civilian lives in Iran.
