ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE, Jan 5, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - President Donald Trump warned Iran on Sunday that it would get "hit very hard" by the United States if more protesters die during demonstrations that have entered a second week.

"We're watching it very closely. If they start killing people like they have in the past, I think they're going to get hit very hard by the United States," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.

Sparked by a cost-of-living crisis, the protests began with a shopkeeper's strike in Tehran on December 28.

At least 12 people, including members of the security forces, have been killed since, according to a toll based on official reports.

The demonstrations are the most significant in Iran since a 2022-2023 movement sparked by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, who had been arrested for allegedly violating Iran's strict dress code for women.