WASHINGTON D.C, January 9, 2026 — U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iran’s leadership on Thursday, stating that the country is “in big trouble” amid widespread anti-government protests and threatening strong U.S. action if security forces kill demonstrators.
In a video statement broadcast on C-SPAN and widely shared on social media, President Trump addressed the ongoing unrest in Iran directly from the presidential desk.
“So Iran’s in big trouble,” Trump said. “It looks to me that the people are taking over certain cities — and nobody thought [it] were really possible just a few weeks ago.”
He emphasized that the U.S. is “watching this situation very carefully” and reiterated his strong warning: “If they start killing people like they have in the past, we will get involved. [We] will be hitting them very hard where it hurts… And [it] doesn’t mean boots on the ground, but means hitting them very, very hard where it hurts.”
The president’s remarks come as Iran faces its largest wave of protests in years, triggered by soaring inflation, a collapsing currency, and broader economic hardships. Demonstrations that began in late December 2025 have spread across multiple provinces, including Tehran and Kurdish-populated areas, with reports of clashes between protesters and security forces.
Human rights groups and media reports indicate dozens of deaths, including protesters and security personnel, since the unrest began. Iranian authorities have imposed a near-total internet blackout to limit information flow and coordination among demonstrators. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has condemned the protests, urging a tough response from forces.
Trump has repeatedly voiced support for the Iranian people in recent days, describing them as “brave” and urging them to pursue freedom. His latest comments escalate the rhetoric, signaling potential U.S. intervention — possibly through targeted strikes or other measures — should the crackdown turn more lethal.
The White House has not elaborated on specific plans, but analysts note Trump’s warning aligns with his administration’s “maximum pressure” approach toward Iran.
The situation remains fluid, with protests entering their second week and international attention intensifying.
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