US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran's clerical regime, declaring that the United States is prepared to assist protesters as a violent government crackdown escalates across the country. The statement came on Saturday, 10 January 2026, as Iranian authorities claimed to have arrested 100 'armed rioters'.
Regime Intensifies Violent Suppression
Protests, which began two weeks ago, have now swept across Iran, leading to a severe response from the state. More than 100 people are feared to have been killed in the unrest. Following a night of demonstrations in several cities, including the capital Tehran, Iran's attorney general issued a chilling threat, warning that anyone participating would be considered an 'enemy of God' – a charge that carries the death penalty.
In a significant escalation, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps accused 'terrorists' of targeting military bases, and the country's army pledged to join the crackdown to 'firmly safeguard national interests'. State media reported the arrest of the 100 individuals, branding them as armed rioters.
Defiance and Death Toll Mount
Despite the severe threats and a near-total internet and phone blackout, protesters returned to the streets on Saturday night. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency described the gatherings as 'scattered, short-lived and fluid' due to the overwhelming presence of security forces.
The organisation claims to have verified a grim tally: at least 116 people killed, including seven under the age of 18. Furthermore, they report that over 2,638 individuals have been arrested since the protests began, with 327 of those arrests occurring on Saturday alone.
Footage circulating on social media depicted large crowds and fires in Tehran's streets overnight. State media reported a municipal building set ablaze in Karaj, west of Tehran, blaming 'rioters'. Official broadcasts also showed funerals for security force members said to have been killed in Shiraz, Qom, and Hamedan.
International Condemnation and Solidarity
On Saturday evening, President Trump directly addressed the crisis, posting on social media: 'Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!'. This was his second intervention in as many days, having warned on Friday that the US 'will come to their rescue' if Iran's regime 'violently kills peaceful protesters'.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump administration officials have held preliminary discussions on potential military action against Iran, should the situation demand it. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also voiced support, writing: 'The United States supports the brave people of Iran.'
Globally, demonstrations in solidarity with the Iranian people took place, including in London where a protester climbed onto the balcony of the Iranian embassy. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that those speaking out against the Iranian government should not face 'the threat of violence or reprisals', urging Iranian authorities to listen.
From exile, Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran's last shah, made his strongest call yet for the protests to evolve into a full-scale revolt to topple the Islamic Republic, claiming it would be brought 'to its knees'.
