Overview
- In a Fox News interview aired Jan. 8, the president said the U.S. is prepared to "attack very strongly" if security forces begin killing demonstrators.
- He described the warning as conditional on authorities "start killing people" as unrest escalates.
- Protests that began in late December have spread across Iranian cities, with clashes reported between demonstrators and security forces.
- Exiled human-rights groups report at least 40 deaths, though verification is constrained by an internet and international-call shutdown reported on Jan. 8.
- The ultimatum follows a reported U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025, underscoring heightened tensions.