US President Donald Trump on Monday described Iran’s leadership as “violent” and “ruthless” and called for major military advances against Tehran, as reports suggested authorities were tightening security measures to prevent potential anti-government protests.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said U.S. military operations in Iran had produced “very strong results” and claimed that Iranian forces had been severely weakened. “We had very good results today in Iran, very strong military results,” Trump said, adding that the US strikes had targeted key components of the Iranian military. “As far as I’m concerned, we’ve basically defeated Iran. They may have some resistance left, but not much.”
He went on to allege that Iran’s leadership is violent and cruel. “They put out a notice saying they would shoot protesters. I can totally understand why people don’t protest,” he said.
Trump also called images allegedly of people gathering in support of Khamenei “fake” and “AI-generated.” “Iran showed about 250,000 people in a square supporting Khamenei, it was completely AI-generated. It never took place; the demonstration was fake,” he said.
Trump claimed that the strikes had destroyed much of Iran’s air force, navy and air defense systems. He also said US forces had attacked Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export terminal in the Persian Gulf, leaving a section connected to pipelines intact.
The US president also indicated that Washington was discussing with other countries the possibility of securing the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically vital maritime route through which a significant part of the world’s oil supply passes. Trump said the United States imports relatively little oil across the strait, but suggested other major economies rely heavily on it.
“We are talking to countries about policing the Strait of Hormuz because they are the ones who depend on it for oil,” Trump said, adding that China, among others, relies heavily on energy shipments passing through the route.
Trump’s comments come amid signs of increased security inside Iran. According to a BBC Persian According to the report, Tehran residents say authorities have set up new security checkpoints in parts of the capital, where people are stopped and searched.
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Residents told BBC Persian that internet access has been restricted and warning text messages have been sent to citizens warning against anti-establishment protests. Restrictions on communications, the report said, make it difficult for people to organize demonstrations or coordinate with others.
The increased security presence suggests that Iranian authorities may be trying to prevent unrest as tensions rise in the region. Meanwhile, the broader conflict has escalated across the Middle East, with the United States and its allies carrying out strikes against Iranian targets while Tehran and allied groups continue retaliatory attacks.
Trump attacks Tehran as Iran prepares for new wave of anti-establishment protests
3 minutes of readingUpdated: Mar 16, 2026 02:06 pm IST
US President Donald Trump on Monday described Iran’s leadership as “violent” and “ruthless” and called for major military advances against Tehran, as reports suggested authorities were tightening security measures to prevent potential anti-government protests.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said U.S. military operations in Iran had produced “very strong results” and claimed that Iranian forces had been severely weakened. “We had very good results today in Iran, very strong military results,” Trump said, adding that the US strikes had targeted key components of the Iranian military. “As far as I’m concerned, we’ve basically defeated Iran. They may have some resistance left, but not much.”
He went on to allege that Iran’s leadership is violent and cruel. “They put out a notice saying they would shoot protesters. I can totally understand why people don’t protest,” he said.
Trump also called images allegedly of people gathering in support of Khamenei “fake” and “AI-generated.” “Iran showed about 250,000 people in a square supporting Khamenei, it was completely AI-generated. It never took place; the demonstration was fake,” he said.
Trump claimed that the strikes had destroyed much of Iran’s air force, navy and air defense systems. He also said US forces had attacked Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export terminal in the Persian Gulf, leaving a section connected to pipelines intact.
The US president also indicated that Washington was discussing with other countries the possibility of securing the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically vital maritime route through which a significant part of the world’s oil supply passes. Trump said the United States imports relatively little oil across the strait, but suggested other major economies rely heavily on it.
“We are talking to countries about policing the Strait of Hormuz because they are the ones who depend on it for oil,” Trump said, adding that China, among others, relies heavily on energy shipments passing through the route.
Trump’s comments come amid signs of increased security inside Iran. According to a BBC Persian According to the report, Tehran residents say authorities have set up new security checkpoints in parts of the capital, where people are stopped and searched.
Story continues below this ad.
Residents told BBC Persian that internet access has been restricted and warning text messages have been sent to citizens warning against anti-establishment protests. Restrictions on communications, the report said, make it difficult for people to organize demonstrations or coordinate with others.
The increased security presence suggests that Iranian authorities may be trying to prevent unrest as tensions rise in the region. Meanwhile, the broader conflict has escalated across the Middle East, with the United States and its allies carrying out strikes against Iranian targets while Tehran and allied groups continue retaliatory attacks.
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