Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Jan 5: US President Donald Trump on Sunday cautioned Iran against using deadly force to quell public protests, warning that any killing of civilians by Iranian authorities would invite a strong response from the United States.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while returning to the White House from Mar-a-Lago, Trump was questioned about reports of protesters being killed in Iran and his earlier remark that the US was “locked and loaded.” He responded by stressing that Washington is closely monitoring developments inside the country.
“We’ll take a look. We’re watching it very closely,” Trump said, signalling heightened attention to the unfolding situation.
Drawing a firm red line, the President warned against the use of lethal force by the Iranian regime. “If they start killing people, as they’ve done in the past, I think they’re going to get hit very hard by the United States,” he said.
Trump did not spell out what form such a response might take, nor did he announce any immediate military or economic action. However, his remarks came against the backdrop of a significant US military presence in the region, underscoring Washington’s preparedness.
Although his comments were made in response to a question rather than a formal policy statement, they highlighted that the US administration is actively tracking the situation and weighing its options. Trump repeatedly emphasised vigilance but stopped short of outlining specific triggers or timelines for action.
The warning was part of broader remarks in which Trump linked unrest, drug trafficking and authoritarian crackdowns in various regions to US national security interests. During the exchange, he framed these challenges as interconnected threats requiring firm and decisive responses.
While he did not directly compare Iran to other nations during his comments, the warning followed similarly tough rhetoric aimed at countries such as Venezuela and Cuba, which he has previously described as sources of regional instability.
Trump has, in the past, accused Iran of violently suppressing dissent during earlier protest movements and has relied on sanctions and military deterrence as tools of pressure. In this instance, he refrained from announcing new measures, instead reiterating a message of close scrutiny and readiness.
“If they start killing people,” Trump repeated, underlining the condition he said could prompt US action.