Kathmandu — As anti-government protests intensify across Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a fresh warning to Tehran, saying there would be serious consequences if security forces open fire on demonstrators.
According to international news agency Reuters, Trump made the remarks while speaking to reporters at the White House, directly addressing Iran’s leadership. He said the United States would not remain silent if protesters were targeted in the name of restoring order.
Protests Spread Nationwide Amid Internet Shutdown
As demonstrations escalated, the Iranian government shut down internet services across the country, sharply limiting the flow of information to the outside world. Human rights organizations say dozens of people have been killed over the past two weeks during clashes and crackdowns.
By Friday, the protests had become nationwide. Demonstrations were reported in all 31 provinces, with millions of people taking to the streets in more than 100 cities, according to international media estimates. Iranian state media, however, have been accused of minimizing the scale of the unrest and portraying the situation as being under control.
The protests initially began over rising inflation, the sharp fall of the Iranian currency, and dissatisfaction with government economic policies. In recent days, the movement has shifted toward direct political demands, with protesters calling for the resignation of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
In several locations, protesters were heard chanting slogans in support of former crown prince Reza Pahlavi, who currently lives in exile in the United States. Trump has said he has no immediate plans to meet Pahlavi, a position widely seen as Washington choosing to closely monitor developments before taking any further steps.
Government Response and Global Reaction
In a televised address, Khamenei accused foreign powers of inciting the unrest and warned that the government would not retreat. Tehran’s public prosecutor has cautioned that those involved in attacks on security forces or acts of vandalism could face severe punishment, including the death penalty.
Iran’s Ministry of Information and Communications Technology said internet services were suspended due to the country’s “current security situation,” following decisions by relevant security agencies. The shutdown has also disrupted air travel, with at least 17 flights between Dubai and Iran reportedly canceled.
The Iran Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported that at least 62 people have been killed since protests began on December 28, including 48 protesters and 14 members of the security forces. Leaders of France, the United Kingdom, and Germany issued a joint statement condemning the killing of protesters, while the United Nations expressed serious concern and urged Iran to respect the right to peaceful assembly.
‘Plan B’ Speculation and Historical Context
Some international media outlets have reported that Iran’s leadership may be preparing contingency plans if the unrest worsens. Britain’s online newspaper The Times, citing intelligence sources, reported that the 86-year-old Khamenei has a “Plan B” that could involve leaving Tehran with close aides and family members for a secure location.
Former Israeli intelligence official Benny Sabti has suggested that Khamenei could seek refuge in Moscow, noting that the Iranian leader is known to hold a favorable view of Russian President Vladimir Putin and sees cultural similarities between Iran and Russia.
Iran has previously suppressed major protest movements in 1999, 2009, 2019, and 2022. Analysts say the current unrest—driven by economic hardship, post-war instability, and widespread public frustration—has emerged as one of the most serious internal challenges the Islamic Republic has faced in recent years.
