US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iran on Friday, as widespread anti-government protests continued across the country and authorities imposed an internet blackout to contain the unrest. The demonstrations, which began on December 28, have intensified, with rights groups reporting dozens of deaths and videos circulating showing clashes between protesters and security forces.
In a direct message to Tehran, Trump said, “You better not start shooting because we’ll start shooting too,” emphasizing the United States’ willingness to intervene if violence escalates. “I just hope the protesters in Iran are going to be safe, because that’s a very dangerous place right now,” he added. This follows Trump’s military strikes on Iran last summer and his recent warning that the US could support Iranian demonstrators.
Despite Trump’s vocal warnings, he signaled caution regarding support for opposition figures, indicating on Thursday that he was not inclined to meet Reza Pahlavi, the US-based crown prince and son of the late Shah of Iran. Analysts suggest this reflects Washington’s wait-and-see approach, monitoring the crisis before openly backing a specific opposition leader.
The US also dismissed remarks by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who accused Israel and Washington of orchestrating the protests. A State Department spokesperson labeled the comments “delusional,” saying they represent “an attempt to deflect from the massive challenges the Iranian regime faces at home.”
Meanwhile, in Tehran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei remained defiant, blaming the protests on foreign-backed opposition groups and the United States. In a televised address, he vowed not to yield, while Tehran’s public prosecutor warned that those involved in violent clashes could face the death penalty. Iran’s Ministry of Information and Communications Technology cited “prevailing security circumstances” as justification for the nationwide internet shutdown.
The protests mark the most significant challenge to Iran’s clerical rulers in at least three years. Initially triggered by economic grievances, they have expanded to include direct opposition to the government. The Iranian rial lost roughly half its value against the US dollar last year, while inflation surpassed 40 percent in December. Slogans against the authorities and chants supporting the return of the monarchy have become common.
Iranian human rights group HRANA reported at least 62 deaths since the demonstrations began, including 14 security personnel and 48 protesters. State and semi-official media have documented clashes, fires, and attacks on public infrastructure, including buses, banks, and underground stations. Videos verified by Reuters show hundreds of protesters marching in Tehran, chanting slogans such as “Death to Khamenei,” while other demonstrations have erupted in cities including Shiraz, Mashhad, and Zahedan.
Authorities have attempted a dual strategy: acknowledging legitimate economic grievances while cracking down on what they label “violent rioters.” President Masoud Pezeshkian called for a “kind and responsible approach,” and the government offered limited financial support to address rising poverty. However, as unrest spreads, the Supreme Leader adopted a more confrontational stance, denouncing protesters as vandals attempting to appease Trump.
International reactions have been swift. Leaders of France, Britain, and Germany issued a joint statement condemning the killings and urging Iran to exercise restraint. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric expressed concern over the loss of life, reaffirming the right of citizens to peaceful protest and the obligation of governments to protect that right.
The internet blackout has severely restricted information flow from Iran, disrupted phone communications, and led to at least 17 flight cancellations between Dubai and Iranian cities. Observers warn that this digital clampdown may fuel further unrest by increasing frustration among protesters.
Externally, the US and Iranian officials continue to trade accusations. Iran’s UN ambassador blamed Washington for “destabilizing practices,” while Foreign Minister Araqchi downplayed the likelihood of foreign military intervention, saying the probability was “very low.” Oman, historically a mediator between Iran and the West, is scheduled to send its foreign minister for talks.
Analysts highlight that Iran has faced multiple waves of unrest in recent decades, including student protests in 1999, the 2009 disputed election demonstrations, and nationwide protests in 2019 and 2022. The 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom protests, sparked by the death of a young woman in police custody, drew tens of thousands of citizens onto the streets. Though ultimately suppressed, the movement led to gradual societal changes, including more women defying mandatory dress codes.
Alex Vatanka of the Washington-based Middle East Institute commented, “The sense of hopelessness in Iranian society today is unprecedented. Anger has deepened over the years, and we are seeing record levels of public frustration.” However, he noted that the level of support for monarchy or exiled opposition groups inside Iran remains unclear.
As protests continue into mid-January, Iran faces a crossroads. Authorities are under immense pressure to balance public dissent, economic hardship, and international scrutiny, while the United States and other foreign powers closely watch developments. With the Supreme Leader’s warning of severe punishment and Trump’s threats looming, the coming days could prove decisive in determining the trajectory of Iran’s political landscape.
