Washington, DC, 14 January (H.S.): President Donald Trump on Tuesday delivered a multifaceted rebuke to Iran's leadership, advocating measured democratic aspirations for its citizens while threatening economic isolation through unprecedented tariffs and hinting at military repercussions for ongoing protester bloodshed.
Delivering impromptu remarks to reporters after a Detroit speech and during a Michigan factory tour, Trump vowed a White House review of accurate numbers on reported killings, now estimated between 2,000 and 12,000 protesters since late December—spanning 606 gatherings across 187 cities in their 17th day.
Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) documented 505 protester deaths including nine children, plus 133 security forces, one prosecutor, and seven bystanders, though higher tallies from Iran International and CBS sources suggest 12,000 or more, exacerbated by an internet blackout since January 8 .
Vision of Reform, Past Glory Recalled
Queried on desiring democracy in Iran, Trump tempered idealism with pragmatism: Ideally, we would like to see it. We don't want to see people killed, and we want to see a little bit of freedom for these people. Lamenting Iran's descent living in hell, he nostalgically invoked pre-1979 prosperity: I have friends who used to invest in Iran... It was a great place. The people were great. Even the leadership was good.
Confronted with Tehran's retaliation threats, Trump referenced prior strikes: Yeah, Iran said that the last time I blew them up with the nuclear capability, which they don't have any longer, so they better behave. To leadership amid violence reports—including alleged hangings—he urged: They've got to show humanity... I hope they're not going to be killing people.
Tariff Blitz and Military Posturing
Trump's words accompanied a sweeping edict: nations trading with Iran face immediate 25% tariffs on all US commerce, declared final and conclusive. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt outlined many options like airstrikes under review, prioritizing diplomacy yet signaling resolve.
Global reactions diverge: Tehran decries foreign-instigated riots, while activists highlight brutal crackdowns with live ammunition, as verified videos show morgues overflowing with gunshot victims in Tehran suburbs.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
