Iranians brace for Trump intervention after weeks of deadly protests
The Iranian government is beginning to show signs of returning to normalcy, but some Iranians say they are still bracing for a possible U.S. attack after weeks of protests against the regime and a brutal crackdown that has left thousands dead.
The protests began in Tehran in December and were initially motivated by deteriorating economic conditions, but quickly spread across the country, stoking widespread discontent with the regime.
As Iranian authorities escalate their crackdown on dissent, US President Donald Trump suggested this week that his administration was considering a possible military response, before saying the US would “wait and see”.
In a video published by Reuters, Abolfaji, who lives in Tehran, said the US president “says a lot” but Iranians will not be intimidated.
“He is trying to bring the Iranian people to their knees,” he said. “This is a mistake. We will confront him with all our might.”
Another resident, Mohammad Heri, said daily life in Tehran was returning to normal after the mass protests, but economic hardship continued.
“People come to shop a little more,” Hyeri said. “However, people’s overall cost of living situation (still) remains depressed, especially when it comes to shopping.”
At least 2,400 protesters have been killed in the crackdown on the protests, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). CNN has not been able to confirm HRANA’s numbers.
Last June, the United States attacked three Iranian nuclear facilities during the Israel-Iran war. In response, Iran attacked Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Heli said he believed the response was strong enough to deter further attacks.
“We responded resolutely to the US last time. I don’t think they will have the courage to attack again,” Hyeri said.
