Trump Vows ‘Very Hard’ U.S. Retaliation for Iran If Protesters Killed

By Brian Freeman | Sunday, 04 January 2026 10:34 PM EST

President Donald Trump reiterated his warnings against the Iranian regime Sunday night, stating Iran would face a “very hard” U.S. response if it killed more protesters during demonstrations that have entered their second week.

“We’re watching it very closely,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on his return from Mar-a-Lago. “If they start killing people like they have in the past, I think they’re going to get hit very hard by the United States.”

The new threat came shortly after Trump posted on Truth Social that if Iran “violently kills peaceful protesters,” the U.S. would “come to their rescue” and “are locked and loaded and ready to go.”

Trump’s warning preceded the operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

Brian Freeman, a journalist with over three decades of experience in culture and politics for newspapers, online, and television, reported on the developments.