Trump Issues Strong Warnings over Iran 'Bloody' Protest: "US May Act Before Meeting"
- US President Donald Trump warned of very strong US military options as Iran protests escalated
- Rights groups reported hundreds killed and thousands detained amid a widening crackdown
- Iran imposed an internet blackout while leaders blamed foreign powers and threatened protesters
US President Donald Trump says the American military is considering “very strong options” in response to Iran’s escalating anti-government protests, as unrest across the country enters a third week with mounting casualties.
Speaking on Sunday, January 11, Trump says Iranian officials have reached out to him to negotiate, but warns that Washington may not wait for talks to begin.
Source: Getty Images
“They want to negotiate, but we may have to act before a meeting,” Trump says.
He added that Iranian leaders are “tired of being beat up by the United States”.
A US official later confirms that Trump has been briefed on potential military strike options, while other measures under consideration reportedly include cyber operations, increased sanctions and support for anti-government messaging online, BBC reported.
Iran: Hundreds reportedly killed in unrest
The US-based Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA) said it has verified the deaths of nearly 500 protesters and 48 members of Iran’s security forces since demonstrations erupted in late December.
Sources who spoke to the BBC say the true death toll could be significantly higher, as access to information remains severely restricted.
At least 10,600 people have reportedly been detained during the unrest, according to HRANA, as fears grow of an expanding government crackdown.
Graphic scenes emerge despite media blackout
Although international journalists have been barred from reporting inside Iran, verified footage and eyewitness accounts suggest widespread violence.
BBC-verified video from Kahrizak, south of Tehran, showed rows of body bags in a morgue facility, while a source describes the capital’s streets as “full of blood”.
“They’re taking away bodies in trucks,” the source says.
Witnesses also reported bodies accumulating at hospitals and forensic centres, with some allegedly buried hurriedly before dawn, limiting identification.
Iran dismisses protesters, calls them vandals
Iranian authorities described demonstrators as a “bunch of vandals” and accuse the United States and Israel of fomenting unrest.
The government then announced three days of mourning for what it calls “martyrs” killed in a “national battle against the US and Israel”, and urged supporters to join pro-government rallies on Monday, January 12.
Also, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused protesters of trying to “please” Trump, while Iran’s attorney general warned that demonstrators could be treated as “enemies of God”, an offence that carries the death penalty.
Protests fuelled by economic collapse
The demonstrations are triggered by anger over the plummeting value of Iran’s currency but have since evolved into a broader challenge to the legitimacy of the Iranian leadership.
They are the largest protests since the 2022 uprising sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, a young Kurdish woman who died in custody after being detained by morality police.
Despite a reduced level of street protests on Sunday night, sources say tensions remain high as security forces increase their presence.
Internet shutdown deepens crisis
Iran has imposed a near-total internet blackout since Thursday, making communication and verification of events increasingly difficult.
Source: Getty Images
Some residents reportedly relied on satellite connections, though fears persisted that authorities could trace users through such services, The Irish Times reported.
Trump says he plans to speak with Elon Musk, whose company SpaceX operates Starlink, about restoring internet access.
“He’s very good at that kind of thing. He’s got a very good company," Trump says.
Warnings of regional escalation
Iran’s parliament speaker warned the United States against making a “miscalculation”, saying any US attack would render American and Israeli military and shipping assets in the region legitimate targets.
Meanwhile, Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah, added that the protests have “shaken the foundations” of the regime.
US warns citizens to leave Venezuela immediately
Previously, Legit.ng reported that the United States government issued a strong warning on January 10, urging its citizens in Venezuela to leave the country immediately. Officials said the security situation remained fluid despite the resumption of international flights.
In its statement on X on Saturday, January 10, the government reported that armed militias, known locally as colectivos, had been setting up roadblocks and searching vehicles. Authorities said these groups were allegedly looking for evidence of US citizenship or support for the United States. Citizens were advised to remain vigilant and exercise caution when travelling by road.
Source: Legit.ng
