Tehran (Monitoring Desk): US President Donald Trump has warned that if Iranian authorities use lethal force against protesting citizens, the United States will respond with extremely severe action. He said that in such a scenario, Iran would face serious consequences.
Speaking on Thursday in an interview with conservative journalist Hugh Hewitt, President Trump stated that Iranian officials have already been warned that if protesters are killed during demonstrations—as has happened in the past—the United States will not remain silent. This statement was reported by a news agency.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for patience and restraint in response to the ongoing protests in the country. In his statement, he emphasized avoiding violence or repression and urged that dialogue and engagement be adopted to listen to public demands.
On Thursday, a large number of protesters gathered on a major highway in northwestern Tehran, scenes of which could be seen in images that went viral on social media. The demonstrators were raising their voices against economic hardship, while many vehicles were seen honking horns in support of the protesters.
According to Persian-language TV channels operating outside Iran and social media sources, large-scale protests have also been reported in Tabriz, Mashhad, and other cities.
The Norway-based organization Iran Human Rights reported that at least 45 protesters have been killed since demonstrations began in late December, including minors. The organization stated that 13 people were killed in a single day on Wednesday—the highest number so far—while hundreds have been injured and thousands arrested.
However, Iranian media, citing official figures, claim that the death toll stands at 21, including security personnel.
Separately, internet monitoring organization NetBlocks has confirmed that nationwide internet services have been shut down in Iran, describing the move as part of digital restrictions imposed during the protests.
