President Donald Trump has suggested potential U.S. retaliation against Iran following a deadly government crackdown on protesters that left dozens dead.
For nearly two weeks, demonstrations driven by economic frustration have swept across Iran’s 31 provinces, with more than 220 towns and cities involved and a death toll that includes over 50 protesters, according to human rights monitors.
According to The Daily Mail, on Saturday at 1:27 p.m., Trump posted to Truth Social, stating, “Iran is looking for FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!” The social media post came just a day after reports of violent government repression surfaced, showing Iranian security forces using severe measures against demonstrators, including beatings and threats of capital punishment.
White House Reviews Military Strike Plans
According to U.S. officials cited in a report from the Wall Street Journal, the Trump administration has conducted internal discussions regarding potential military actions, including large-scale airstrikes focused on Iranian military targets.
Officials emphasized that these discussions remain standard protocol and no troop movements or military deployments have occurred. Still, the White House has warned Tehran that further violence against civilians could trigger serious consequences.
Speaking earlier this week aboard Air Force One, Trump said, “We’re watching it very closely. If they start killing people as they have in the past, I think they’re going to get hit very hard by the United States.”
Protests Erupt Nationwide in Iran
The unrest in Iran, now entering its 13th day, began with public frustration over economic issues but has evolved into broader calls to overthrow the country’s clerical leadership.
According to the human rights group HRANA, at least 65 people have been killed in the clashes so far — 50 protesters and 15 security personnel. Iranian doctors have reported treating demonstrators with injuries ranging from head trauma to broken limbs and lacerations, signaling the level of force used against civilians.
Iran’s Attorney General, Mohammad Movahedi Azad, issued a stark statement labeling anyone participating in the protests as an “enemy of God,” a designation that under Iranian law could mean a death sentence.
Iranian Leaders Push Back Against U.S. Support
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, responded to Trump’s remarks by accusing the U.S. president of having “hands stained with the blood of Iranians.”
He further claimed the protesters were only rioting “to please the president of the United States.” But that narrative doesn’t square with scenes of everyday Iranians risking their lives to challenge a regime that labels dissidents as criminals.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, backing Trump’s stance, wrote on X that the U.S. is “not the Obama administration” when it comes to confronting Iran’s leadership. “To the regime leadership: your brutality against the great people of Iran will not go unchallenged,” Graham posted. “Make Iran Great Again.”
U.S. Publicly Aligns With Iranian Protesters
Senator Graham followed up with a second post stating, “To all who are sacrificing in Iran, God bless. Help is on the way.” Words that, frankly, the Iranian people haven’t heard from an American leader in a long time — and certainly not with this level of unapologetic clarity.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed similar sentiments, affirming U.S. support for the “brave people of Iran” in a post on X. That solidarity might not bring immediate protection, but it certainly sends a strong diplomatic message.
Trump didn’t limit his attention abroad to Iran. On Saturday, he also addressed Venezuela, proclaiming that he was “already making Venezuela rich and safe again,” following the detention of President Nicolás Maduro — another case where strongman politics have long kept ordinary citizens in a stranglehold.
