Trump tells Iran to let protestors be free or else

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iran on Sunday, vowing that the Islamic Republic would face severe consequences if it continues deadly crackdowns on nationwide anti-regime protests that have entered their second week.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said the United States is closely monitoring the situation. "We're watching it very closely," he said. "If they start killing people like they have in the past, I think they're going to get hit very hard by the United States."

The comments mark Trump's second public threat to intervene on behalf of Iranian demonstrators amid escalating unrest that has spread to at least 78 cities and 222 locations, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRAI). The group reports that security forces have killed at least 20 people, including three children, and arrested 990 individuals, with more than 40 children detained.

Iran experts say Trump's statements have emboldened protesters, drawing on his administration's past actions, including the 2020 U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani.

Shukriya Bradost, CEO of Four Sides Security Solutions and an Iran analyst, told reporters that "Trump’s warning to the Iranian regime emboldened protesters because it came from a president who had already demonstrated a willingness to confront Tehran directly." She contrasted this with the Obama administration's response to the 2009 Green Movement and the Biden administration's approach, noting that many Iranians view Trump's position as credible and empowering.

Bradost added that Iranians are seeking clear U.S. support for genuine change rather than policies that might prop up a faltering regime.

Veteran Iran observer Mardo Soghom said the current protests differ from previous waves, with demonstrators demanding full regime change rather than reforms. "People are not asking for reforms, but unanimously and categorically they are aiming for regime change," he said. "The protests are also more forceful. This time around, the people are less afraid of the notorious security forces and appear more determined."

Iranian American activist Masih Alinejad described Trump's message as giving "hope to the people of Iran," calling it the first time a U.S. president has stood strongly with Iranians rather than sending conciliatory signals to the regime. She urged additional steps, including expelling Iran's U.N. representative, providing Starlink internet access through Elon Musk, and launching targeted U.S. military actions against those responsible for killings.

The protests have been fueled by long-standing grievances, worsened by a severe economic crisis and recent military setbacks. In June 2025, Israel, with U.S. support, conducted a 12-day campaign that struck several Iranian nuclear sites.

Iranian officials have described the situation as leaving the regime with limited options amid mounting domestic anger and external pressure.

The unrest represents one of the most widespread challenges to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, 86, since the 2009 Green Movement. Protesters have chanted slogans calling for the end of the Islamic Republic's rule.

--REAL AMERICA'S VOICE

#####