Donald Trump warns Iran of severe consequences amid deadly protests as Tehran threatens retaliation; over 4,500 deaths reported during ongoing unrest.
The rising death toll has drawn international concern and intensified scrutiny of Tehran’s response to the protests. (File Photo)
US President Donald Trump has issued a sharp new warning to Iran as deadly protests continue to shake the Islamic Republic, raising fears of a broader confrontation between Washington and Tehran. Speaking during an interview with News Nation, Trump said the situation could spiral into catastrophic consequences if violence and unrest persist.
Trump’s remarks come at a time when Iran is witnessing its most intense internal unrest in years, with thousands killed and tens of thousands arrested amid mass demonstrations against the government.
During the interview, Trump delivered one of his strongest statements yet on Iran, warning that the country could face destruction if events take a darker turn. “I've left notification, anything ever happens... the whole country's going to get blown up,” Trump said.
.@POTUS on threats from Iran: "I've left notification, anything ever happens... the whole country's going to get blown up." pic.twitter.com/oD6WpeWVoY
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) January 21, 2026
He escalated the rhetoric further, adding, “If anything happens, we're going to wipe them off the face of the earth.” The comments followed Trump’s earlier call for regime change in Iran, signaling a hardening stance as unrest continues across the nation.
Protests in Iran began in the last week of December, triggered by surging inflation, the rapid fall of the Iranian rial, and growing public anger over economic hardship. What started as economic demonstrations quickly evolved into broader calls for political reform and regime change.
Thousands of Iranians took to the streets, demanding accountability and systemic change. Iranian authorities, however, have blamed foreign interference, accusing the United States and Israel of fueling unrest and destabilizing the country.
The human cost of the protests has been severe. According to US-based monitoring groups, at least 4,519 people have been killed since the demonstrations began. In addition, more than 26,300 people have been arrested, making it one of the deadliest periods of civil unrest in Iran’s recent history.
The rising death toll has drawn international concern and intensified scrutiny of Tehran’s response to the protests.
Trump’s warnings have drawn an equally forceful response from Tehran. Iran issued a direct threat to the US president after his comments about Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
“Trump knows that if any hand of aggression is extended toward our leader, we not only cut that hand but also we will set fire to their world,” said Gen. Abolfazl Shekarchi, spokesperson for Iran’s armed forces.
The warning came after Trump described Khamenei as “a sick man who should run his country properly and stop killing people.”
While Trump’s language has raised alarms globally, there has been no official announcement of immediate military action. However, analysts say the rhetoric reflects rising tensions and a willingness by both sides to escalate verbal threats.
Trump’s statements suggest a strategy of maximum pressure, aimed at weakening Iran’s leadership while backing protesters indirectly. Tehran, meanwhile, continues to project defiance and warns of severe retaliation if provoked.
As protests rage and diplomatic language hardens, the risk of miscalculation grows. The situation remains volatile, with internal unrest, international pressure, and aggressive rhetoric converging into a dangerous mix.
With over 4,500 deaths already reported, the coming weeks may determine whether Iran’s crisis remains domestic or spills into a larger global conflict.
