Amid escalating tensions with Iran, US President Donald Trump has made a series of controversial claims regarding American involvement in past Iranian protests, while also issuing an unusually blunt warning of potential large-scale military action if Tehran fails to reach an agreement with Washington.
In remarks conveyed during a phone interview with Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst, Trump alleged that the United States had supplied weapons to anti-government protesters in Iran, routing them through Kurdish intermediaries. He suggested, however, that the arms may never have reached their intended recipients.
Claims on Arming Protesters and Crackdown Death Toll
According to Yingst’s account, Trump said, “We sent them a lot of guns. We sent them through the Kurds,” adding that he believes “the Kurds kept them.” The claim has not been independently verified and comes without official confirmation from US agencies.
Trump also asserted that the Iranian government “slaughtered 45,000 people” during the protests. While international human rights organizations have documented severe crackdowns, estimates vary widely.
Groups such as Amnesty International have reported that thousands were killed in various waves of unrest, while Iranian authorities have placed the death toll at just over 3,000, attributing the violence to what they describe as “terrorists” backed by foreign powers, including the United States and Israel.
The protests themselves, commonly referred to as the Iranian protests began over economic grievances but quickly evolved into broader anti-regime demonstrations, with many participants demanding systemic political change.
Escalating Rhetoric and Threats of Military Action
Trump’s comments were accompanied by sharply worded threats directed at Tehran. In a social media post, he warned Iran to “make a deal” or “open the Strait,” in reference to the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. He further declared that an imminent deadline Tuesday could mark sweeping US action targeting Iran’s energy and civilian infrastructure.
“Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran,” Trump said, in remarks that drew attention for both their severity and tone. He warned of unprecedented consequences if Iran failed to comply.
In a separate interview with Axios, Trump reiterated the possibility of major military action, stating: “There is a good chance, but if they don’t make a deal, I am blowing up everything over there.”
He added that the United States is currently engaged in “deep negotiations” with Iran, suggesting that a diplomatic resolution remains possible before the deadline.
Rising Tensions Amid Ongoing Diplomacy
The remarks underscore a sharp escalation in rhetoric at a time when diplomatic channels remain open but fragile. The United States and Iran have long been at odds over regional security, nuclear ambitions, and economic sanctions, with the Strait of Hormuz serving as a critical flashpoint due to its importance in global energy shipments.
While negotiations continue, Trump’s statements highlight the growing volatility of the situation, where diplomacy and the threat of force are unfolding side by side, raising concerns about the risk of a broader conflict in the region.