The remarks came after media reports that U.S. President Donald Trump was presented with military options for a potential strike on Iran, although no final decision had been made. Trump warned Tehran that Washington would act if protesters were harmed during the ongoing demonstrations in Iran.
“Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before,” Trump posted on Truth Social late Saturday, emphasizing that the U.S. “stands ready to help.”
Qalibaf commended Iran’s security forces for their handling of recent protests, praising the police and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, especially its volunteer Basij militia, for standing firm.
“The people of Iran should know that we will deal with them in the most severe way and punish those who are arrested,” Qalibaf said about demonstrators.
Protests in Iran began in the last week of 2025, sparked by public discontent over the country’s dire economic condition. They have evolved into open opposition against the clerical leadership.
With the internet restricted in Iran and phone lines cut, assessing the demonstrations from abroad has become more challenging. However, activists claim that at least 116 people have died in the protest-related violence, the Associated Press reported.
Approximately 2,600 people have been detained, according to the latest reports from the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.
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