President Donald Trump delivered a pointed but measured message to Iran’s leadership, urging restraint and humanity as the country faces widespread anti-government protests and mounting reports of a violent crackdown. Responding to a reporter’s question about what he would say to Iran’s leaders, Trump emphasized concern for civilian lives while noting that some reports remain unconfirmed.

“The message is they’ve got to show humanity,” Trump said. “They’ve got a big problem, and I hope they’re not going to be killing people… it would seem to me that they have been badly misbehaving, but that is not confirmed.” His remarks reflected both caution and pressure, signaling close U.S. scrutiny without rushing to conclusions.

The protests, which erupted in late December 2025, were driven by deepening economic hardship and long-standing political repression. Demonstrations spread rapidly across multiple cities, prompting Iranian authorities to impose an internet blackout and deploy security forces to suppress unrest. Estimates from various reports suggest the death toll during the crackdown could range from the low thousands to well into the five figures, though precise numbers remain difficult to verify due to information restrictions.

Trump’s comments align with his administration’s broader posture toward Iran, which has combined deterrence with explicit warnings against mass violence. U.S. officials have previously stated that executions or large-scale killings of protesters would trigger “very strong action,” underscoring the seriousness with which Washington views the situation.

By calling on Iran’s leaders to “show humanity,” Trump positioned the United States as a watchful actor seeking de-escalation while making clear that abuses against civilians would not be ignored. The statement also reinforced a familiar theme of his foreign policy approach: applying public pressure to adversaries while keeping the door open to restraint and stability.

As events inside Iran continue to unfold, Trump’s message adds to international attention on Tehran’s response to internal dissent, with many governments and observers watching closely for signs of further escalation or a move toward restraint.