U.S. President Donald Trump is closely reviewing the situation in Iran as nationwide protests enter their third week and reports of deaths and arrests continue to rise. On Tuesday, Trump held discussions with his national security team to assess possible next steps, saying the scale of violence by Iranian authorities appears to be “significant.”
Trump said the Iranian government is “badly misbehaving” and warned that the United States will act based on confirmed facts. He added that his administration is still trying to determine the real number of people killed and detained, noting that he has received multiple and conflicting figures.
According to independent human rights monitors operating through networks inside Iran, more than 16,700 people have been arrested since protests began on December 28, while over 2,000 deaths have been reported, most of them protesters. The unrest initially erupted due to soaring prices and economic hardship but has since evolved into open anger against Iran’s ruling clerical system.
“The message is they have to show humanity,” Trump said, referring to Iran’s leadership. “They have a big problem, and I hope they stop killing people.”
Earlier the same day, Trump sharply shifted his tone by pulling back from the idea of talks with Tehran, telling Iranian citizens that “help is on its way.” While he did not explain what that help would look like, the statement marked a clear warning to Iran’s rulers.
Addressing a public gathering in the United States, Trump openly encouraged Iranian citizens to continue protesting, urging them to document abuses and hold those responsible accountable. “You are being very badly abused,” he said.
Iran responded strongly. Tehran’s ambassador to the United Nations accused Trump of interfering in Iran’s internal affairs, warning that such statements encourage instability and threaten national sovereignty. Iranian authorities continue to claim that foreign powers are behind the protests.
State-run media in Iran has aired dozens of televised confessions from detained protesters. Human rights activists say these confessions are forced, a practice long criticized by international observers. Iranian officials argue the videos prove foreign involvement, while critics say they are meant to intimidate the public
Despite growing global concern, Trump has kept pressure on Tehran, repeatedly warning that the U.S. could respond if Iranian forces continue using deadly force. On Sunday, he said Iran was “starting to cross a line,” prompting Washington to consider“very strong options.”
At the same time, U.S. officials have said diplomacy is not completely off the table, though trust between the two sides remains extremely fragile. Adding to the pressure, Trump announced a 25% tariff on countries that continue doing business with Iran, a move that could affect major economies trading with Tehran.
Senior U.S. leaders are now reviewing a wide range of options, from diplomatic pressure and sanctions to possible military action. Trump said he is not intimidated by Iranian threats, recalling earlier warnings from Tehran before U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites last year.
Inside Iran, protests have spread to hundreds of cities and towns across all provinces, making this one of the largest waves of unrest in years. Information from inside the country remains limited due to media restrictions, internet slowdowns, and tight government control.
Analysts say these demonstrations represent the most serious challenge to Iran’s leadership in decades, driven by economic collapse, currency devaluation, and deep public frustration with long-standing repression.
As reported by usaharmony.com, the situation remains highly volatile. With protests growing, international pressure mounting, and Washington weighing its response, Iran stands at a critical moment that could reshape its future and regional stability.
