Trump issues new warning as Iran cuts internet amid nationwide protests

U.S. President Donald Trump issued a fresh warning as Iranian authorities shut down internet access while anti-government protests spread across cities nationwide.

U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iranian authorities as protests erupted across the country and the government cut internet access to curb unrest. “You better not start shooting because we’ll start shooting too,” Trump said, expressing concern for the safety of demonstrators.

Rights groups reported that at least 62 people, including 48 protesters and 14 security personnel, have died since the demonstrations began on December 28. Iranian state media showed clashes and fires across major cities, including Tehran, Shiraz, and Mashhad.

The protests, initially sparked by economic grievances such as inflation topping 40% and the devaluation of the rial, have expanded into widespread anti-government demonstrations. Slogans have directly targeted the Iranian leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iranian authorities have responded with a dual strategy, describing some protests as legitimate while cracking down on violent rioters. The government imposed a nationwide internet blackout, canceled flights, and threatened death sentences for those engaging in clashes with security forces.

Trump downplayed support for exiled monarchist Reza Pahlavi while emphasizing U.S. readiness to act if Iranian security forces escalated violence against protesters. Meanwhile, Khamenei accused demonstrators of acting at the behest of foreign opposition and the United States.

International reactions have been strong. France, Britain, and Germany condemned the killings and urged restraint, while the U.N. expressed concern over the loss of life and emphasized the right to peaceful protest.

Iran has experienced repeated waves of unrest in recent decades, including the 2022 “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests and prior student-led demonstrations, which were ultimately suppressed but signaled deep societal discontent.

The continuing protests highlight Iran’s growing domestic instability, with a fragmented opposition and significant international scrutiny putting pressure on the government to balance security measures with human rights obligations.

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