Trump Warns of Tough U.S. Intervention if Violence Escalates in Iran

Washington — U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that the United States would intervene if Iranian authorities begin killing civilians during the ongoing protests in the country, though he ruled out deploying ground troops.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump said, “If they start killing people, we will get involved.” He clarified that such involvement would not mean sending troops on the ground, adding, “It doesn’t mean boots on the ground, but it means hitting them very, very hard where it hurts.”

Other senior officials in the Trump administration have also repeatedly warned that Washington would take action if Iranian security forces kill peaceful protesters.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned what it called “interventionist and deceptive” remarks by the U.S. administration. The ministry said such statements reflect Washington’s continued hostility toward the Iranian people.

Protests have been taking place in several Iranian cities since late December, driven by a sharp depreciation of the national currency and long-standing economic hardship. Iranian authorities have acknowledged the demonstrations and expressed willingness to address economic grievances, while warning against violence and vandalism.

According to various reports, dozens of people — including protesters and members of the security forces — have been killed since the protests began. However, no official death toll has been released.