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3. Trump Says US Will Hit Iran 'Very Hard' if Protesters Are Killed

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened to take severe action against Iran if its authorities "start killing people" who are protesting in the country, where an economic crisis has led to mounting civil unrest, according to AFP. 

"I have let them know that if they start killing people, which they tend to do during their riots -- they have lots of riots -- if they do it, we are going to hit them very hard," Trump said during an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt. He warned that the Iranian regime is “going to have hell to pay” if more protesters are killed by law enforecement. 

The Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights (IHR) said on Thursday that Iranian security forces had killed at least 45 protesters, including eight children, since the demonstrations began in late December.

Iranian president, Masoud Pezeshkian, on Thursday called for restraint in how the demonstrations are handled. “Any violent or coercive behaviour should be avoided,” said Pezeshkian in a statement on his website, urging “utmost restraint” as well as “dialogue, engagement and listening to the people’s demands”.

Internet Blackout 

Iran is experiencing a nationwide internet blackout, online monitoring group NetBlocks has said. 

In a post on social media on Thursday, NetBlocks noted that the apparent blackout follows “a series of escalating digital censorship measures targeting protests across the country and hinders the public’s right to communicate at a critical moment”.

While it was unclear what caused the internet cut, Iranian authorities have shut down the internet in response to protests in the past.

Calls for a Return to The Pahlavi Monarchy

Reportedly, Iranian protesters gathered in cities across the country Thursday night for a national rally called by exiled prince Reza Pahlavi. 

Protestors are also voicing support in favour of the Pahavi monarchy, who was the ruling administration before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. They are chanting, “This is the final battle. Pahlavi will return” and “Long live the king.” 

Pressed on whether or not President Trump will meet with Reza Pahlavi, son of the former Shah of Iran, Trump indicated that he will not do so at this time. He stated, “I think that we should let everybody go out there and see who emerges.”