“If you kill your own people, Trump will kill you”… US senator issues open threat to top leader of Muslim nation

Washington (The Uttam Hindu): Amid ongoing anti-government protests in Iran, a highly aggressive and controversial statement has emerged from the United States. Senior Republican leader and US Senator Lindsey Graham has openly issued a threat against Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Graham warned that if the Iranian government continues to suppress protesters, newly elected US President Donald Trump will not hesitate to eliminate the Ayatollah.

Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Lindsey Graham addressed the people of Iran and said that the United States stands firmly with them. Taking a dig at former President Barack Obama’s policies, he said, “Donald J. Trump is not Barack Obama. You have his full support.” Issuing a direct warning to Ayatollah Khamenei, Graham said that if he continues killing his own people who are demanding a better life, Donald Trump will kill him. He added that if the Iranian leadership ignores Trump’s warning and continues bloodshed, they will be put to death.

Donald Trump has earlier also adopted a tough stance on the issue. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said that if Iran follows its old pattern of shooting or killing peaceful protesters, the United States will step in to protect them. He stated that the US is fully prepared for any situation. These statements indicate a shift toward a more aggressive American foreign policy.

Meanwhile, the situation in Iran continues to deteriorate. Protests that began 11 days ago have turned violent. In the latest clashes on Wednesday, two Iranian police officers were killed and around 30 others were injured. Reports suggest that the protest movement, which started in late December last year, has now spread to more than 20 cities. The main reasons behind the unrest are the sharp devaluation of Iran’s currency, the rial, and rising inflation.

So far, nearly 30 deaths have been reported in the violence, though no official death toll has been released. While the Iranian administration has promised economic reforms, it has also warned of strict action against those involved in violence and vandalism.