A retired American four-star general has issued a stark warning to the Iranian leadership, urging them to treat threats from former President Donald Trump with the utmost seriousness amidst a violent government crackdown on widespread domestic protests.
Escalating Tensions and a Chilling Warning
Last week, Donald Trump explicitly threatened Iran with military action, declaring that the United States would "come to [protesters'] rescue" if the regime continued to kill its own citizens during demonstrations. The protests, triggered by a severe economic crisis and the collapse of Iran's rial currency, have spread to over 220 towns and cities across 26 provinces.
In response, Jack Keane, a retired US Army general and Fox News analyst, delivered a pointed caution to Tehran. "I would take President Trump dead serious here," Keane stated during a television appearance. "Anybody at this point that doesn’t take President Trump serious when he’s saying something like this, given the last year, is certainly reckless and irresponsible."
His comments came just hours before Iranian security forces reportedly killed at least 50 protesters, signalling a defiant rejection of Trump's warnings. The total death toll, according to the Iranian rights group HRANA, had reached 65 by January 9, including 15 security personnel.
A Regime Under Pressure and a Possible Escape Plan
General Keane argued that the Iranian regime is currently at its "weakest point" with "no prospect of recovering." He cited political failure, economic collapse, and military setbacks, including the loss of strategic platforms in Syria and the degradation of its proxy networks.
The threat appears to have unsettled Iran's supreme leader. Reports from The Times of London suggest that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, has a contingency plan to flee to Moscow with up to 20 aides and family members should his security apparatus fail to quell the uprising. The plan allegedly involves pre-positioned assets and cash abroad to facilitate escape.
Despite this, Khamenei has publicly struck a defiant tone, labelling protesters as "vandals" and predicting Trump would be overthrown. Authorities have also imposed a near-total internet blackout to stifle dissent and organisation.
Recent Precedents and a Firm Stance
The Trump administration has recently demonstrated its willingness to act on threats. In June, the US launched "Operation Midnight Hammer," striking Iran's Fordow nuclear site with B-2 stealth bombers. This move, which followed a 12-day war between Iran and Israel, was described as ending a 45-year standoff.
More recently, a military operation in Venezuela led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro on drug trafficking charges. Following that strike, Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned adversaries: "Don't play games when this president's in office. It's not going to turn out well."
With up to 2,500 people arrested and hospitals reportedly overwhelmed with gunshot victims, the situation inside Iran remains volatile. Speaking from Air Force One, Trump reiterated his stance, stating, "We're watching it very closely. If they start killing people, like they have in the past, I think they're going to get hit very hard by the United States."
As the regime grapples with one of the most significant challenges in its 45-year history, the international community watches to see if Tehran will heed the warnings or risk a devastating confrontation.
