Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued renewed threats against Iran, stating the Islamic Republic would 'pay hell' if it continues to kill protesters amidst an ongoing violent crackdown. The threats were made in an interview on Thursday, January 8, 2026, where Trump emphasized his previous warnings that the U.S. would 'hit them very hard' if Iran violently targets peaceful demonstrators. This comes as Iran experiences widespread civil unrest, with demonstrations escalating across the country. Human rights groups report that at least 45 protesters, including minors, have been killed since the rallies began in late December. Authorities have responded with a severe crackdown, including imposing nationwide internet blackouts and cutting telephone lines, to suppress the flow of information and quell the dissent. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has dismissed Trump's threats, accusing the U.S. of attempting to interfere in Iran's internal affairs and using the protests to serve American interests. Khamenei stated that the government would 'not back down' in the face of the demonstrations, which he labeled as actions by 'vandals' seeking to please the U.S. President. The protests, initially sparked by economic grievances and a currency collapse, have evolved into a broader challenge to the government's legitimacy, marking a significant phase in Iran's history of social and political contestation. International observers and human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have expressed deep concern over the regime's use of lethal force against unarmed protesters and the lack of accountability for those responsible. The ongoing events underscore the deep fractures within Iran and the heightened tensions in U.S.-Iran relations, with potential long-term implications for the region.