US President Donald Trump engaged in a tense exchange with a reporter aboard Air Force One on Sunday over whether Iran takes his threats seriously. Pointing to past US actions under his leadership, including the killings of Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani and Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al‑Baghdadi, Trump said Iran had “been through it for years” and called the question “stupid.”
The remarks came as nationwide protests continue to sweep Iran, with rights groups reporting over 500 deaths in just over two weeks — one of the deadliest crackdowns in recent years. More than 10,600 people have reportedly been detained, while internet and phone services remain restricted, making it difficult to verify events on the ground.
When pressed about Iran’s warning that it would treat US military and commercial bases as legitimate targets if attacked, Trump responded,“If they do that, we'll consider things targets that they wouldn't believe. We will hit them at levels that they've never been hit before.”Reiterating his dismissal of the question on whether Iran would take such threats seriously, he added,“Wouldn't you say that they probably do at this point? What a stupid question.”
Trump also said that Iran had expressed willingness to negotiate following his threat to act over the violent crackdown, noting that discussions were underway to arrange a meeting.“I think they’re tired of being beat up by the US. Iran wants to negotiate. The meeting is being set up, but we may have to act because of what’s happening before the meeting. Iran called, they want to negotiate,”he said.
The unrest, which began on December 28 over the collapse of the Iranian rial — now trading at over 1.4 million to USD 1 — has since expanded into broader anti-regime protests challenging the country’s theocracy. Demonstrations continue in Tehran and other major cities, with videos circulating online showing ongoing gatherings despite government restrictions.
