Trump Calls Islamic Republic Security Forces Thugs, Says Lack of Protests in Iran Understandable

Donald Trump, the President of the United States, called Islamic Republic security agents "thugs and ruffians" and described the absence of protests in Iran since the start of the recent war as "understandable." Speaking aboard Air Force One in response to a question about protests in Iran, Trump said: "You are dealing with thugs and ruffians and horrible people. You are dealing with rough and evil people, and that goes for the leadership and those under them - their military or their police." The U.S. president referenced multiple warnings issued by Islamic Republic judicial and security bodies to the public about potential protests, saying: "They have informed everyone and issued statements that if you protest, you will be shot and killed." Emphasizing that protesters are unarmed, he said he knows the Iranian people are brave, but does not think they will protest: "I think it is very difficult for them to protest. I completely understand it. They said, if you protest, you will be killed." The U.S. president, referencing the suppression of protests earlier this year in Iran, repeated a figure he had previously cited about 32,000 protesters being killed, saying: "At least - we think the number is much higher than that. They shot 32,000 protesters who were very enthusiastic and wanted to see change... They have destroyed the country. The people running it have destroyed the country." Trump added: "Just think - they shot far more than 32,000 people. Now two days ago they issued a statement that we will kill, we will shoot and kill every protester. And they do not have guns - meaning the protesters do not have guns. So I completely understand why they are not doing it."