Okay, here’s a fact-checked and revised version of the provided text, addressing inaccuracies and providing context. I’ve focused on correcting factual errors and clarifying perhaps misleading statements. I’ve also added notes where clarification or further context is helpful.
Trump Warns Iran Over Protests, Threatens Tariffs on Nations Doing Business with Tehran
Former President Donald Trump has issued strong warnings to Iran regarding its handling of ongoing protests and announced new economic measures targeting countries that continue to do business with the Islamic Republic.
Trump began by reflecting on past interactions with Iran, stating, “I have friends who used to invest in Iran, and they did well with their investments. It was a great place.The people were great. Even the leadership was good. And now it is indeed living in hell,” he said.
When asked by a reporter about Iran’s warning of retaliation in the event of US strikes,Trump responded,”Yeah,Iran said that the last time I authorized the killing of Qassem Soleimani,so they better behave.”[[Correction & Context: The original text stated Trump “blew them up with the nuclear capability.” This is inaccurate. trump authorized a drone strike in january 2020 that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. Iran retaliated with missile strikes on US bases in Iraq. Iran does not have nuclear capability, though it is pursuing it.]
When asked whether he had a message for Iran’s leadership amid reports of violence against protesters, Trump said, “the message is they’ve got to show humanity. They’ve got a big problem, and I hope they’re not going to be killing people. It would seem to me that they have been badly misbehaving, but that is not confirmed.”
Responding to a question from CBS News reporter Emily Schrader about reports of executions, Trump responded, “When they start killing thousands of people and now you’re telling me about hanging [protesters] we’ll see how that works out for them. It’s not going to work out good.”[[Note: The claim of “thousands” of people being killed requires careful scrutiny. See updated death toll data below.]
Trump’s remarks came amid heightened US messaging about the situation with Iran and a series of White House statements indicating that “many options” remain under review.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told journalists that airstrikes are among the “many, many options” under consideration, while stressing that diplomacy remains the administration’s “first option.”
Her comments followed a directive from Trump aimed at countries doing business with Iran.
Trump announced that any country doing business with the Islamic Republic would face a 25% tariff on all trade conducted with the United States.
In a statement, Trump said, “Effective immediately, any country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a tariff of 25% on any and all business being done with the United States of America. This order is final and conclusive.”[[Note: The legality and enforceability of such a unilateral tariff imposition are questionable and would likely face legal challenges.]
The developments come as Iran has been witnessing sustained nationwide protests as mid-September 2022, sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini while in the custody of the morality police.[[Correction: The original text states protests began in late December. They began in September 2022.]The protests have drawn divided reactions internationally, with some governments expressing concern over what they describe as foreign-instigated unrest, while others have accused Iranian authorities of responding violently to demonstrators, Al jazeera reported.
As of late January 2024, reports indicate at least 528 protesters have been killed, including 68 children, as well as approximately 76 members of Iran’s security forces.[[Updated Death Toll & Context: The original text cited 505 protesters, 9 children, 133 security forces. numbers are constantly evolving and are arduous to verify independently. These figures are based on reports from HRANA and othre monitoring groups as of January 26, 2024. The actual numbers are likely higher.]The protests have spread nationwide, with demonstrations reported in numerous cities.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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