U.S. News
Escalating Iran Protests Draw Trump Warning
Clear Facts
- Armed protesters clashed with state security forces in Tehran.
- By Saturday, protests had spread to 190 cities and 2,311 arrests were reported.
- President Trump warned of a strong U.S. response if Iran escalates violence against demonstrators.
Protesters and Iranian security forces exchanged gunfire in Tehranpars, a neighborhood in the capital, as anti-regime demonstrations intensified. The unrest reflected growing opposition to the current Iranian leadership.
In videos from Iran, crowds could be heard shouting, “Death to Khamenei!” “Death to the dictator!” “Shame on you!” and “We are all together!”
According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency in Iran, the protests entered their 14th day with 65 people dead and over 2,300 arrested as of Friday, including children.
Authorities imposed a far-reaching internet blackout this week, cutting off most outside communication and increasing threats of severe punishment.
Dissident politician Maryam Rajavi issued a statement saying, “By defending the demonstrators, the rebellious youths did not allow the flames of the uprising to be extinguished. They have shown their determination to triumph over the regime.”
The National Council of Resistance in Iran reported demonstrations reaching 190 cities by Saturday.
At a news conference, President Trump commented, “Iran’s in big trouble. It looks to me that the people are taking over certain cities that nobody thought were really possible just a few weeks ago. We’re watching the situation very carefully.”
He warned the U.S. would respond if the regime uses mass violence: “We’ll be hitting them very hard where it hurts. And that doesn’t mean boots on the ground, but it means hitting them very, very hard where it hurts.”
Major international airlines, including Lufthansa, flydubai, Turkish Airlines, AJet, Pegasus, Qatar Airways, and Austrian Airlines, have suspended all flights to Iran as of Saturday.
Stay informed with the latest updates as this story develops.
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