In a dramatic escalation of tensions, former US President Donald Trump has issued a severe warning to Iran, threatening that the country will face a forceful American response if its ongoing crackdown on protesters leads to more deaths. The warning comes as nationwide demonstrations in Iran enter a critical second week, drawing intense international scrutiny.
Trump's Stark Warning from Air Force One
Speaking to reporters while aboard Air Force One, Donald Trump stated that the United States is monitoring the situation in Iran "very closely." He explicitly referenced the Iranian government's past actions against demonstrators, signalling that Washington's patience is wearing thin. "The country will be hit very hard by the United States if more protesters are killed," Trump declared, marking one of the most direct threats from a US figure amid the current unrest.
This warning from Trump follows a provocative statement from Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Khamenei recently declared that "rioters must be put in their place," a directive seen as endorsing a firm state response to the protests. According to official Iranian tallies, the violence surrounding these demonstrations has already resulted in the deaths of at least 16 people, though independent groups fear the number could be significantly higher.
Tehran's Response: Financial Relief Amid Crackdown
Facing mounting public anger largely fuelled by economic hardship, the Iranian government has announced a temporary financial relief plan in an attempt to quell dissent. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani detailed that all Iranian citizens will receive a monthly allowance equivalent to $7 for four months, starting from mid-January 2026.
However, this cash handout comes with strict conditions. The funds will be directly credited to individual accounts but will be restricted to purchasing essential goods only. Officials describe this measure as an effort to ease the severe economic pressure on ordinary Iranians, though critics view it as a superficial attempt to buy social peace while continuing political repression.
A Nation at a Crossroads
Iran now finds itself at the epicentre of a rapidly intensifying multi-dimensional crisis. The scene is defined by protesters demanding change on the streets, a government attempting to placate them with minimal cash handouts while threatening force, and a formidable external power in Washington issuing direct and public threats.
This convergence of internal dissent, economic strain, and international pressure creates a volatile standoff. The world watches to see whether Tehran will heed Trump's ultimatum and show restraint, or if Khamenei's order to deal with "rioters" will lead to a further crackdown, potentially triggering the severe US response that has been promised.
