Pressure mounts on Iran as Trump warns of consequences and protests grow

WASHINGTON (TNND) — President Donald Trump issued renewed warnings to Iran following talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, threatening severe consequences if Tehran attempts to rebuild its nuclear or missile capabilities — as Iran’s leadership responded with its own sharp rhetoric and unrest spread inside the country.

Speaking Monday after meeting with Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago, Trump said the United States was closely monitoring reports that Iran may be attempting to reconstruct nuclear facilities damaged by U.S. strikes earlier this year. While those allegations remain unconfirmed, Trump warned that any such effort would prompt a swift response.

“If it’s confirmed, look, there will be consequences,” Trump said. “The consequences will be very powerful — maybe more powerful than last time.”

Trump also cautioned Iran against replenishing its ballistic missile program, saying the U.S. would not allow Tehran to restore military capabilities that threaten regional stability. “I hope they are not trying to build up again, because if they are, we’re going to have no choice but very quickly to eradicate that buildup,” he said.

The warnings came as Iran pushed back publicly. President Masoud Pezeshkian responded on social media, writing that the Islamic Republic’s response to what he called “any oppressive aggression” would be “harsh and regrettable.” Iranian officials have consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons, insisting their missile program is defensive.

Meanwhile, Iran International reported that Tehran is accelerating work on developing chemical or biological weapons alongside its missile program — claims Iran strongly denies. If confirmed, the allegations would likely deepen concerns in Washington and among U.S. allies, including Israel.

As tensions rise abroad, pressure is also mounting at home. Protests have broken out across Iran in response to soaring prices, runaway inflation and political repression — an unusual public display of discontent in a country where demonstrations are often swiftly suppressed.

Verified videos posted on social media show demonstrators gathering Monday at an upscale shopping mall near Tehran’s main bazaar, chanting “azadi,” the Farsi word for freedom. Other footage appears to show security forces confronting protesters. Additional demonstrations were reported in multiple locations across the country, though the size of the protests could not be independently confirmed.

The unrest comes amid an intensified government crackdown. Human rights organizations say Iranian authorities have arrested key dissidents and carried out the highest number of executions this year in nearly four decades — part of what activists describe as an effort to prevent a broader uprising.

The convergence of escalating international pressure and growing domestic unrest presents a volatile moment for Iran’s leadership, as Trump signals a willingness to use force while Tehran faces mounting challenges on multiple fronts.