Trump warns of ‘very strong’ action against Iran after Venezuela operation

US President Donald Trump has warned of direct military action against Iran following a recent US operation in Venezuela, saying Washington would respond with “very strong force” if protesters are killed again amid ongoing unrest in the country.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One late Sunday (January 4), Trump said the United States was closely monitoring the situation in Iran. He cautioned that if killings of civilians resume, as in the past, the US would take a tough stance against Tehran.

Trump has previously issued similar warnings, stating that Washington would intervene if Iranian protesters lost their lives during demonstrations.

The remarks prompted a sharp reaction from Iran. In a statement issued on Monday morning, Iran’s foreign ministry condemned comments by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and hardline US officials regarding Iran’s internal situation, accusing them of inciting terrorism and violence.

The statement further alleged that the “Zionist entity” was waiting for any opportunity to undermine Iran’s national unity.

Separately, Iran strongly criticised the recent US position on Venezuela, describing it as a reflection of “colonial-era thinking”. Foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Washington’s remarks had exposed its true intentions.

Speaking at a weekly press briefing, Baghaei said relations between Iran and Venezuela were built on mutual respect and shared interests, a principle Tehran would continue to uphold in its foreign policy.

Responding to reports that US officials were considering taking control of Venezuela’s governance, he said such claims were unacceptable to Venezuela or any sovereign nation. While past interventions were justified in the name of democracy and human rights, Baghaei said US officials were now openly admitting that the real issue was Venezuela’s oil.