U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that Iran could face a strong response from the United States if its authorities kill protesters amid ongoing unrest.

Speaking this week, Trump said he had told Iranian authorities that if they began killing people during demonstrations, Tehran would “get hit very hard.” His remarks come as nationwide protests continue for more than a week.

The protests, driven by economic hardship and rising living costs, have spread beyond Tehran to other major cities. Reports indicate that dozens of people, including civilians and security personnel, have been killed in clashes between demonstrators and Iranian forces.

Iranian officials have criticised Trump’s comments, accusing Washington of interfering in the country’s internal affairs and warning against foreign involvement.

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Tehran maintains that protests are influenced by external actors and has defended its approach to restoring order.

There is no indication that the United States has taken military action in response to the unrest, and the exact meaning of Trump’s threat has not been clarified by U.S. officials.

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