Trump warns Iran: If the execution of protesters begins… We’ll take harsh measures

US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States will take very harsh measures if Iranian authorities execute protesters against the backdrop of ongoing protests in the country.

This came in statements to CBS on Tuesday, regarding the ongoing demonstrations in Iran.

Trump made it clear that he was closely following the demonstrations in Iran.

Asked about reports that some protesters may be executed, and whether this is a red line for the United States, Trump said: “I am not aware of any executions, and if they execute them, you will see some things in return, and if such a situation happens, we will take very harsh measures”.

He pointed out that there are many ways in which the United States can help the protesters in Iran, noting that this isn’t limited to military options but also includes economic and other options.

Trump said he believes things are not going in the right direction, adding: “We don’t want what is happening in Iran to happen, protest is something, but when they start killing thousands it changes the situation, and now you are talking about executions… We’ll see how this phase ends for them, and it won’t end well”.

Earlier on Tuesday, Trump announced in a post on Truth Social that he was canceling any meetings with Tehran, and made an appeal to Iranian demonstrators inciting them to storm state institutions and promising to help them.

“Iranian patriots, continue to protest, take control of your institutions,” he said… Memorize the names of the murderers and the aggressors… They will pay a heavy price”.

On December 28, traders in the Grand Bazaar in the capital Tehran began protesting against the sharp depreciation of the Iranian rial against foreign currencies and worsening economic problems, and the protests later spread to several cities.

As violence escalated and police intervention increased during the protests, internet service was disabled nationwide on 9 January.