America Warns Iran: The US government initially appeared active during the protests in Iran, but as time passed, the Trump administration has limited itself to threats. The threats continue, and in this context, the US has once again warned Iran. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that US President Donald Trump and his team are closely monitoring the situation in Iran. Addressing a press briefing, Leavitt said that all options are open for President Trump.
What Leavitt said:
Karoline Leavitt said, “The President and his team have made it clear to the Iranian regime that if the killings continue, there will be serious consequences. The President has learned that 800 executions have been halted. The President and his team are closely monitoring this situation, and all options are open for the President.”
US Senator lashes out at Iran
Meanwhile, US Senator Lindsey Graham alleged that “the Ayatollah’s regime has American blood on its hands and is massacring people in the streets.” Referring to a media report, the US Senator said, “All the headlines saying that our so-called Arab allies intervened on behalf of Iran to prevent decisive military action by President Trump are very disturbing.” Graham said, “If it is true that the Arab response to this ongoing horrific massacre of innocent people is that ‘action against Iran is not necessary,’ then I will have to rethink the nature of the alliance in the future.”
The death toll is shocking
The latest developments come amidst ongoing protests in Iran over rising inflation. Internet access has been restricted and phone lines are down in Iran. US President Trump had earlier threatened to intervene but later said that the killings of protesters had stopped and that he would review and decide on military action. The Times of Israel reported that estimates of the death toll resulting from clashes between protesters and security forces range from fewer than 3,000 to more than 12,000.
Sanctions on Iranian Security Officials
The Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on several Iranian security officials, most notably Ali Larijani. Larijani is accused of advocating the use of force against peaceful protesters during the demonstrations, allegedly on the orders of Supreme Leader Khamenei. Sanctions were also imposed on 18 individuals and entities linked to Iran’s shadow banking network. These networks are reportedly involved in laundering the proceeds from Iranian petroleum and petrochemical sales.
US Issues Warning
The US warned that it will continue to cut off the Iranian regime from financial networks and the global banking system as long as the regime continues its repression. These sanctions come amid widespread protests in Iran that have been ongoing since December 2025. The protests, which began against economic hardship, currency devaluation, and political repression, have now spread throughout the country.
