Trump Warns Iran Is Crossing U.S. Red Lines Amid Deadly Nationwide Protests
WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump issued a stern warning Sunday that Iran is “starting to” cross critical U.S. red lines as the country faces widespread protests and a deadly government crackdown. Speaking aboard Air Force One while returning from Palm Beach, Florida, Trump emphasized that the administration is considering “very strong options” in response to reports of civilian casualties and escalating violence.
Protests have engulfed Iran, spreading to at least 190 cities nationwide, according to the National Council of Resistance of Iran. Activists claim that at least 544 people have been killed amid clashes with security forces, with many more feared dead. Some protesters died in stampedes, while others were reportedly shot during confrontations with police.
“They’re starting to, it looks like, and there seem to be some people killed that aren’t supposed to be killed,” Trump said, referring to the Iranian regime’s violent suppression of demonstrators. “These are violent — if you call them leaders, I don’t know if their leaders or just if they rule through violence. And, we’re looking at some very strong options. We’ll make a determination.”
The president underscored that any attack on American interests would be met with overwhelming force, though he clarified that this would not involve deploying troops on the ground. “We’ll be hitting them very hard where it hurts,” Trump said. “And that doesn’t mean boots on the ground, but it means hitting them very, very hard where it hurts.”
His comments come amid growing international attention on the unrest in Iran, where anti-government demonstrations have entered their third week. The U.S. administration has been receiving hourly intelligence briefings on the situation, weighing how best to respond to the crisis.
Iranian authorities have strongly condemned any foreign interference, warning the U.S. against taking action as protests continue. The turmoil has sparked comparisons to historic regime changes, with some exiled Iranian figures suggesting the government is nearing collapse.
Experts note that the situation in Iran poses significant challenges for U.S. foreign policy. The U.S. Department of State has repeatedly called for restraint and respect for human rights, while monitoring the evolving crisis closely. Meanwhile, the Department of Defense remains on alert for any threats to American personnel or interests in the region.
The president’s remarks also come amid ongoing debates in Congress regarding the scope of executive authority under the War Powers Resolution, which governs U.S. military engagement abroad. Senate leaders have expressed divergent views on the best approach to Iran, reflecting the complexity of balancing diplomatic, economic, and military tools.
As the unrest continues, the Central Intelligence Agency and other intelligence agencies are closely tracking developments, providing critical assessments to policymakers. The human toll of the crackdown, alongside potential regional destabilization, underscores the urgency of the situation.
President Trump concluded his remarks by reiterating the administration’s commitment to protecting American interests and supporting the Iranian people’s aspirations for freedom. “Iran’s in big trouble,” he said. “It looks to me that the people are taking over certain cities that nobody thought were really possible just a few weeks ago. We’re watching the situation very carefully.”
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