US will hit Iran “very hard” if protesters are killed: Trump

Key Highlights

• “If they do it, we’re going to hit them very hard.” He added that the message had already been delivered to Tehran in no uncertain terms.
• “They’ve been told very strongly, much more strongly than I’m speaking to you right now, that if they do that, they’re going to have to pay hell.” Vice President JD Vance also came in support of demonstrators, emphasising that the US stands with people who protest peacefully, including those in Iran.
• “We certainly stand by anybody who’s engaged in peaceful protests, who are advocating for their rights,” Vance told reporters at the White House.
• At the same time, he underscored the importance of diplomacy, saying Iran’s best path forward lies in serious negotiations with Washington over its nuclear program.
• A “real negotiation,” he said, would be the “smartest thing” Tehran could pursue, CNN reported.