Trump announces they are at a decision-making stage regarding protests in Iran

US President Trump made significant statements to the press about the protests in Iran at Joint Base Andrews Airport while returning to Washington following a rally in Detroit. Trump stated that they are working to obtain clear information regarding the number of people who have lost their lives in the demonstrations and said they are monitoring developments very closely.

Trump expressed that he would receive a comprehensive briefing from relevant authorities as soon as he arrived at the White House. "We will review what is happening in Iran in detail. I think sad events are taking place there, and the deaths are constantly on my mind. We need to learn the exact figures," he said.

Pointing out that various reports are coming from different sources regarding the death toll emerging from the protests, Trump said, "The number of people who died in the events seems serious. We will have to make a decision after we reach accurate information."

President Trump also sent a direct message to the Iranian government, stating, "I hope they do not kill these people. My observation is that the protesters are being treated very badly."

Trump was also asked whether he desires the establishment of democracy in Iran. The US President replied, "That would be ideal. However, our main demand is that people are not killed and that they attain a certain level of freedom. The people there have been suffering greatly for a long time."

On the other hand, Trump also addressed the protesters in Iran via the social media platform Truth Social, sharing the message, "All Iranian patriots, continue the demonstrations, take ownership of your institutions if you have the opportunity, and record the names of those who harm you."

BACKGROUND OF THE PROTESTS IN IRAN

The protests that began in Tehran on December 28, 2025, due to the rapid devaluation of the national currency against foreign currencies and economic bottlenecks in Iran, quickly spread across the country. While official authorities have not provided a clear figure regarding the number of dead and injured in the events, according to the latest report released by the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), a total of 664 people, including 133 security personnel, 1 prosecutor, and 9 children, have lost their lives in the protests within 16 days. Additionally, over 10,000 people have been detained.

Following the increasing violence and the intervention of security forces, widespread internet restrictions were also implemented in the country on January 9.