U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran’s leadership as nationwide protests rage across the country amid a sweeping internet and communications blackout imposed by Tehran in an attempt to curb unrest. Trump told reporters that the United States is watching closely and cautioned Iran against using lethal force on demonstrators — warning that Washington would “hit them very hard where it hurts” if protesters are killed. The protests, which began in late December over deepening economic hardship and spiralling inflation, have spread to major cities despite the blackout, with crowds clashing with security forces and demanding change. Iranian authorities have described the demonstrators as “vandals” and accused them of serving foreign interests. Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has signalled a tougher crackdown, accusing protesters of damaging their own streets “to please” Trump and vowing not to back down, even as rights groups report dozens of deaths and casualties. Iran’s internet shutdown — one of the most extensive in its history — has cut citizens off from the outside world and restricted the flow of information, but demonstrators continue to mobilise, with some chants even expressing support for former monarchy figures.
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