Trump warns Iran against cracking down on protesters: We will strike you very hard
Former US President Donald Trump issued a direct and strongly worded warning to Iranian authorities, threatening severe repercussions if security forces use excessive force or kill Iranian protesters. These remarks come at a time of heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, coinciding with recurring waves of protests in Iranian cities.
In a press interview, Trump confirmed that he had delivered a clear message to the Iranian leadership, saying, “I told them that if they start killing people, which they tend to do during riots—and they have a lot of riots—if they do that, we will hit them very hard.” These statements reflect the approach of the US administration at that time, characterized by its adoption of a policy of “maximum pressure” against the Iranian regime.
Context of US-Iranian tensions and relations
These threats come in a historically charged context of geopolitical tensions, particularly following the United States' unilateral withdrawal from the nuclear agreement (the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) in 2018 and the reimposition of crippling economic sanctions on Tehran. These sanctions have led to a sharp decline in the value of the Iranian currency and soaring inflation, fueling public anger and prompting citizens to take to the streets in protests over living conditions and political freedoms.
Record of dealing with protests
Trump's warnings are based on a long history of clashes between Iranian authorities and protesters. On previous occasions, international human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have documented the use of live ammunition and mass arrests by Iranian security forces to suppress demonstrations, as was the case in the 2019 protests sparked by rising fuel prices, and in other earlier protests. Observers believe that Washington is attempting to exploit the human rights issue as an additional pressure tactic to isolate the Iranian regime internationally.
Regional and international repercussions
This statement carries implications that extend beyond Iran's internal affairs to encompass the stability of the entire Middle East region. The threat of a "strong response" opens the door to speculation about the nature of the American reaction, whether it be limited military action or through increased economic and political pressure. Analysts emphasize that such statements keep the region on edge, as the international community fears that any miscalculated escalation could lead to a direct military confrontation that would affect energy security and maritime navigation in the Arabian Gulf.
