United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday warned Iran of “consequences” over its violent crackdown on protesters, saying Tehran “better behave” as reports of killings and alleged executions continue to emerge from nationwide unrest that Iranian authorities say has claimed more than 2,000 lives.
The remarks follow Trump’s decision to cancel all meetings with Iranian officials and openly encourage demonstrators to challenge state institutions amid an intensifying crackdown.
Speaking to reporters after an event in Detroit, Trump said he was returning to Washington to assess developments in Iran and review reports of violence against protesters.
“We had a wonderful speech in front of great people in Detroit. I'm going back to the White House now, and we're going to look at the whole situation that's going on in Iran. We'll get some accurate numbers as to what's happening with regard to the killing,” Trump said.
Asked whether he wanted to see democracy in Iran, Trump said he hoped for “a little bit of freedom” for the Iranian people.
“Ideally, we would like to see it. We don't want to see people killed, and we want to see a little bit of freedom for these people. These people have been living in hell for a long time,” he said.
When questioned about Iran’s warning of retaliation in the event of US strikes, Trump responded, “Yeah, Iran said that the last time I blew them up with the nuclear capability, which they don't have any longer, so. they better behave.”
Trump also addressed reports of executions during the unrest, saying, “When they start killing thousands of people and now you're telling me about hanging [protesters], we'll see how that works out for them. It's not going to work out good.”
The White House has indicated that multiple response options remain under review. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said airstrikes were among the possibilities being considered, while stressing that diplomacy remained the administration’s “first option”.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump urged Iranians to continue protesting.
“Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price.”
“I have cancelled all meetings with Iranian Officials until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS. HELP IS ON ITS WAY. MIGA!!! [MAGA]”
Trump has repeatedly threatened military action against Iran in the past and said in recent days that continued violence against protesters could trigger US strikes. On Monday, he announced sweeping trade penalties targeting Iran’s economic partners.
“Effective immediately, any country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a tariff of 25% on any and all business being done with the United States of America. This order is final and conclusive,” Trump said.
As protests escalated, the Trump administration also pursued discreet diplomatic outreach. According to Axios, White House envoy Steve Witkoff met over the weekend with exiled Iranian crown prince Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last Shah. A senior US official confirmed the meeting, describing it as the first high-level contact between the administration and Iranian opposition figures since the unrest began.
Human rights groups have cited lower but still substantial figures. According to HRANA, at least 505 protesters, including nine children, have been killed, along with 133 members of Iran’s security forces, one prosecutor and seven civilians not involved in demonstrations. The unrest, now in its 17th day, has spread to 606 gatherings across 187 cities.
Iran’s leadership has blamed the United States and other foreign powers for fuelling the protests, accusing Washington and Israel of interfering in its internal affairs and encouraging unrest through public statements.
Amid the escalating crisis, the United States has issued urgent advisories urging its citizens to leave Iran immediately. In a notice released on Tuesday, the U.S. virtual embassy in Tehran warned Americans of the risk of detention and advised them to depart by land through Turkiye or Armenia, noting that Washington has no diplomatic or consular presence in the country.
“Have a plan for departing Iran that does not rely on US government help,” the advisory said, warning that US nationals, particularly dual citizens, face a heightened risk of questioning, arrest, and detention.
The advisory also urged Americans to avoid demonstrations, keep a low profile, and remain alert as unrest continues to spread nationwide.
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