As Iran’s million-strong national uprising enters its second week—with reports of protesters temporarily controlling parts of some cities and widespread clashes—U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a direct, fiery warning to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Kabul 24: In a strongly worded statement that quickly went viral on social media and international news outlets, Trump described the Iranian people’s nationwide revolt as “unbelievable” and praised their courage in rising against decades of repression.Citing confirmed reports of over 50 protesters killed in recent days (with human rights groups like HRANA and Hengaw documenting more than 36 deaths and thousands arrested), along with protests spreading to over 90 cities, towns, and villages despite severe internet blackouts, Trump issued a blunt ultimatum: “If you start shooting and killing peaceful protesters—which seems to be your usual habit—America will strike hard at a very painful point.
We are locked and loaded. Better not start shooting, because I’ll start shooting too.”This escalation builds on Trump’s earlier warnings from early January 2026, where he stated the U.S. would “come to their rescue” if Iran violently suppressed demonstrators, emphasizing readiness for intervention.
The latest remarks reflect Washington’s shifting stance amid the escalating crisis, as economic collapse (with the rial hitting record lows around 1.4–1.46 million to the dollar) has fueled demands for regime change, freedom, and even calls for the return of the Pahlavi monarchy.
Trump also welcomed the symbolic gesture by Iranian protesters who renamed a street in Tehran after him. Videos circulating online show demonstrators placing signs reading “President Trump Street” and chanting appeals like “Trump, don’t let them kill us,” while waving messages of gratitude and pleas for protection.
In response, Trump expressed honor at the tribute, saying: “It’s a great honor that the brave people of Iran have named a street after me.
I hope all the protesters stay safe and healthy as they continue their fight for freedom.”The statement comes as Khamenei has harshly condemned the demonstrators as “rioters” and “vandals” allegedly acting to please Trump, vowing the regime will not back down.
Iranian officials have accused foreign powers (including the U.S. and Israel) of fueling the unrest, while imposing widespread internet restrictions and intensifying crackdowns, including live ammunition use in cities like Tehran, Kermanshah, Lorestan, and the Tehran bazaar.With protests evolving from economic grievances into explicit calls to overthrow the Islamic Republic—accompanied by slogans like “Death to Khamenei” and symbols of the pre-revolution Lion and Sun flag—Trump’s direct threat draws a new red line: any further lethal escalation against civilians could trigger severe U.S. military retaliation targeting “painful” regime assets.
As the situation remains fluid on January 10, 2026—with ongoing reports of deadly clashes, bazaar shutdowns, and coordinated nationwide rallies called by figures like exiled Prince Reza Pahlavi—the world watches to see if this high-stakes standoff forces regime concessions or spirals into greater violence.
The coming days will tell whether Trump’s warnings deter further bloodshed or push the crisis toward a tipping point.
