 "'They'll have to pay in hell': Trump issues another threat to Iran as anti-govt protests escalate")
As the protests in Iran continue to escalate, US President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened retribution against the West Asian nation if the Islamic Republic targets protesters. Demonstrations have taken over Iran as people question the regime over the cost-of-living crisis and the collapse of the Iranian currency.
Trump’s remarks on the matter coincided with the biggest protests yet of nearly two weeks of rallies across Iran, as authorities cut internet access and the death toll from a crackdown mounted. “I have let them know that if they start killing people, which they tend to do during their riots… we’re going to hit them very hard,” Trump said in an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt.
When asked about the death of dozens of protesters, Trump noted how some of the deaths were caused by stampedes, and not necessarily caused by law enforcement. However, he also issued a stern warning to the Iranian regime. “I’m not sure I can necessarily hold somebody responsible for that, but… they’ve been told very strongly — even more strongly than I’m speaking to you right now — that if they do that, they’re going to have to pay hell,” the president said.
Not the first time
This is not the first time Trump has threatened Iran over the ongoing protests. The American leader first issued a similar threat last Friday, when he warned that if Iran “violently kills peaceful protesters,” then the US would “come to their rescue.”
An NGO based in Norway reported that at least 45 protesters, including eight minors, have been killed since the rallies began on December 28.
Trump also offered his support to the anti-government protesters for their cause. “You should feel strongly about freedom… You’re brave people. It’s a shame what’s happened to your country. Your country was great," Trump said.
Exiled prince re-ignites the demonstration
Meanwhile, the already riled-up protesters in Iran were further fueled on Thursday by a call from the country’s exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi for the public to take to the streets. After his call, thousands of people came onto the streets, chanting anti-government slogans, reflecting Pahlavi’s sway.
It is pertinent to note that the Iranian prince’s father had to flee the country right before the 1979 Islamic Revolution rocked the country. Demonstrations have included cries in support of the Shah, something that could bring a death sentence in the past but now underlines the anger fueling the protests that began over Iran’s ailing economy.
Quick Reads
View AllWhen asked if he would meet Pahlavi, Trump indicated that he wouldn’t do so at this time. “I’ve watched him, and he seems like a nice person, but I’m not sure that it would be appropriate at this point to do that,” Trump said. “I think that we should let everybody go out there and see who emerges.”
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