As tensions across Iran continue to simmer, a senior Iranian official has sparked intense backlash after suggesting that US President Donald Trump should be captured in retaliation for Washington’s alleged support of anti-government protests in Iran, according to a media report.
“Iran must do with Trump what they did to Maduro… Trump must pay the price during or even after his presidency and I personally hope Trump would be captured.” local news outlet Iran Intl quoted a senior Iranina official as saying.
These remarks came after Trump publicly backed the protests, stating on X: “The people of Iran are rising up against their oppressive regime, America stands with freedom fighters everywhere.”
Protests first erupted in Iran on December 28 and have since spread across the country, driven initially by public anger over the Islamic Republic’s worsening economic conditions and the sharp fall in its currency. What began as economic discontent has grown into a broader nationwide movement spanning all 31 provinces, with women playing a prominent role, including acts of defiance such as burning images of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The Iranian authorities have responded with a sweeping crackdown, imposing a near-total internet blackout and restricting overseas communications. According to reports, at least 45 people have been killed so far, while more than 2,300 have been arrested. Khamenei has dismissed the demonstrators as “thugs” and “disrupters,” accusing them of acting to please US President Donald Trump.
Meanwhile, Trump warned that Khamenei may flee to Russia and threatened severe consequences if protesters are harmed. The US has deployed Delta commandos along the Iran-Iraq border, prompting Iran to close its airspace near Turkey, Iraq, and Azerbaijan borders and activate air defense systems.
Adding to regional tensions, Russia is reportedly supplying Iran with Iskander missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads with a 500-kilometer range. These missiles can target Israeli cities and US bases across the Middle East at seven times the speed of sound.
In response, Israel has activated its Iron Beam laser defense system, capable of destroying incoming missiles and drones using powerful laser beams rather than conventional interceptors.
As protests enter their 13th day, Russia, China, and Iran have launched joint naval exercises off South Africa’s coast under the “Will for Peace” banner, signaling BRICS military cooperation amid rising global tensions with the United States.
