Iran Protests Escalate as Trump Warns Tehran Is in Big Trouble, US Watching Closely

Protests across Iran intensified on Friday as unrest spread to more cities, drawing sharp warnings from US President Donald Trump, who said Tehran was “in big trouble” and that Washington was closely monitoring the situation. The remarks came amid reports of rising casualties, sweeping internet blackouts, and growing international condemnation of Iran’s response to demonstrators.

Speaking at the White House, Trump said developments on the ground suggested that protesters were gaining ground in areas previously considered strongholds of the Iranian establishment. He warned Iranian authorities against using lethal force, stating that any violent crackdown on peaceful demonstrators would draw a severe response. US officials later reiterated that the administration was watching events “very carefully” and remained prepared to react if security forces escalated violence.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei struck a defiant tone, accusing protesters of acting as agents of foreign powers and warning that the Islamic Republic would not tolerate what he described as “mercenaries.” In multiple addresses, Khamenei blamed the United States and its allies for fomenting unrest and insisted the state would not retreat despite mounting pressure.

According to rights groups, the protests—now in their thirteenth day—have resulted in dozens of deaths and thousands of arrests. The Iran Human Rights Activists News Agency reported at least 42 fatalities, including both protesters and security personnel, while Iranian authorities have not released official casualty figures. Images and videos shared online before widespread shutdowns showed clashes, burning buildings, and crowds chanting slogans against the clerical leadership.

A near-total internet blackout has further deepened concerns, with access to social media, messaging platforms, and international phone lines severely restricted. The United Nations raised alarm over reports of deaths, destruction of property, and communication restrictions, stressing that the right to peaceful protest must be upheld and that all fatalities should be independently investigated.

European leaders also weighed in. Germany, the UK, and France jointly condemned the killing of protesters and urged Iranian authorities to exercise restraint and respect fundamental rights. The European Union foreign policy chief criticised Tehran’s handling of the unrest, warning that repression and information blackouts signal fear rather than strength.

Iran’s Foreign Minister accused the United States and Israel of stoking violence, claiming peaceful demonstrations were being turned into riots by foreign interference. Meanwhile, judicial authorities in Tehran issued stern warnings that individuals accused of sabotage or armed confrontation could face capital punishment, fuelling fears of a harsh crackdown.

The unrest has also disrupted regional travel, with multiple international airlines cancelling flights to and from Iran amid security concerns. India said it was closely monitoring developments and advised its nationals in Iran to remain cautious, noting that thousands of Indian citizens currently reside in the country.

US intelligence assessments reportedly suggest that Iran’s leadership remains intact for now, but analysts noted that protests spreading to politically sensitive cities marks a significant shift. While the demonstrations have not yet matched the scale of earlier nationwide uprisings, observers say the combination of economic hardship, currency collapse, and political repression has created one of the most serious challenges to Iran’s clerical establishment in decades.

As global scrutiny intensifies, Iran faces mounting diplomatic pressure alongside unrest at home, with the coming days seen as critical in determining whether the crisis escalates further or moves toward containment.