President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iran’s ruling regime as nationwide protests continue to spread, signaling that the United States is prepared to intervene if Iranian authorities resort to mass violence against their own people. Speaking in a video statement amplified by the White House Rapid Response account, Trump declared that “Iran’s in big trouble,” pointing to reports that protesters are taking control of cities once considered firmly under regime authority.

According to the President, the situation inside Iran has reached a critical phase. Demonstrations that escalated in late December 2025 have now expanded across more than 15 provinces, with clashes reported in over 60 locations as of January 10. What began as protests driven by inflation, corruption, and economic collapse has evolved into a broader uprising challenging the legitimacy of the Islamic Republic itself. Videos circulating online show crowds in cities such as Tehran and Mashhad openly defying security forces, despite curfews, internet disruptions, and lethal crackdowns.

Trump emphasized that the United States is closely monitoring developments and drew a clear red line regarding the regime’s use of force. He warned that if Iranian authorities “start killing people like they have in the past,” the United States will respond. Administration officials later reinforced that any response would reflect Trump’s long-stated doctrine of “peace through strength,” potentially involving decisive strikes without the deployment of U.S. ground troops.

The President’s remarks deliberately contrasted his approach with that of prior administrations, particularly the Obama administration’s response to Iran’s 2009 Green Movement protests. Trump has repeatedly argued that past inaction emboldened the regime and abandoned Iranians who were demanding freedom. This time, the message from Washington is unambiguous: mass repression will carry consequences.

Reaction to the statement has been swift. Iranian expatriates, dissidents, and domestic voices responding online expressed strong support for U.S. involvement, viewing Trump’s warning as moral and strategic backing for their cause. Protesters cite years of economic mismanagement, endemic corruption, and political repression as the drivers of the unrest, with human rights reports indicating dozens killed on both sides as confrontations intensify.

As Iran’s leadership struggles to reassert control, Trump’s comments have injected a new level of pressure into an already volatile situation. Whether the regime de-escalates or chooses further violence may determine not only the future of Iran’s protests, but also the scope of U.S. involvement in the days ahead.