Retired US General Jack Kean called on the Iranian government to seriously consider US President Donald Trump's threat that if protesters were killed, Washington would “deal a very strong blow”. His words were quoted by Fox News. “If I were in the Iranian regime, I would take President Trump very seriously,” Keene said. He assured that the US leader was speaking completely seriously. According to the military, “anyone who does not take seriously the statements that President Trump has made over the past year at this stage is certainly reckless and irresponsible.” On January 9, the US president announced that the US would deal a “very strong blow” to Iran if protesters dissatisfied with the economic situation in the country were killed. On in late December, protests began in Iran amid a devaluation of the local currency, accompanied by increased security measures, including tear gas and air guns. The protests covered more than 60 cities in 25 provinces of the country. The largest protests took place in Tehran, and the most violent clashes were recorded in the west and southwest (cities of Malekshahi, Kermanshah, Lordegan).
