Overview
- Speaking aboard Air Force One, President Trump said Iran would be “hit very hard” by the United States if security forces kill demonstrators as protests enter a second week.
- The State Department’s Farsi-language account amplified the warning with posts including “Don’t play with President Trump” and references to recent U.S. actions.
- HRANA reported protests in more than 220 locations across 26 provinces and over 990 arrests, while videos shared by media show security forces beating demonstrators.
- Death toll estimates vary, with reports ranging from at least 12 to 19 killed, including Kurdish protesters in Malekshahi, as clashes continue in multiple cities.
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called Trump’s remarks “reckless and dangerous,” warned against interference, and state-linked outlets reported weekend missile and air-defense exercises.
- Protests were sparked by a currency collapse and soaring prices, with the rial near 1.4–1.45 million per U.S. dollar and food costs reported up about 72% year-on-year.