In a dramatic escalation of tensions, former US President Donald Trump has issued a stern ultimatum to Iran's leadership, cautioning against the use of lethal force on demonstrators as widespread protests grip the nation. The warning comes amid a severe internet and communications blackout imposed by Tehran, one of the most extensive in the country's history, designed to stifle the unrest that began in late December.
Trump's Stark Warning and Iran's Defiant Stance
Donald Trump told reporters that the United States is closely monitoring the situation and delivered a clear message to the Iranian regime. He warned that Washington would "hit them very hard where it hurts" if protesters are killed by security forces. This direct threat underscores the heightened geopolitical stakes as Iran faces one of its most significant domestic challenges in recent years.
In response, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has signalled a tougher crackdown, refusing to back down. In a defiant move, Khamenei accused the protesters of damaging their own streets "to please" Trump, framing the domestic unrest as a foreign-inspired plot. Iranian authorities have consistently labelled the demonstrators as "vandals" serving external interests.
Nationwide Protests Defy Internet Blackout
The protests, which erupted in late December 2025, were initially fueled by deepening economic hardship and spiralling inflation. Despite the government's sweeping internet shutdown, which has cut off millions of citizens from the global web and restricted information flow, the demonstrations have persisted and spread to major cities.
Crowds have clashed with security forces, with rights groups reporting dozens of deaths and casualties. In a notable development, some chants from the protesters have expressed support for former monarchy figures, indicating a breadth of discontent with the current theocratic system. The blackout has failed to fully quell the mobilisation, showcasing the depth of public anger.
Broader Implications and Regional Context
The crisis in Iran unfolds against a complex international backdrop. Trump's warning draws a hard line on human rights, while Khamenei's rhetoric aims to consolidate domestic support by portraying the US as the chief antagonist. The extensive internet blackout highlights the regime's fear of the protests' organisational power and their potential to inspire further dissent.
The situation remains volatile, with the potential for significant regional repercussions. The standoff between Washington's warnings and Tehran's crackdown threatens to further destabilise an already tense Middle East, drawing global attention to the fate of the Iranian protesters and the regime's next moves.
