“If they hang ’em, you’re gonna see some things… We will take very strong action. If they do such a thing, we will take very strong action.”
President Trump issued that warning Tuesday when asked about Iran’s plan to execute a 26-year-old man — the first planned hanging tied to the nationwide protests that have left over 600 dead.
CBS anchor Tony Dokoupil asked Trump about his endgame in Iran.
“The endgame is to win. I like winning. And we’re winning.”
That’s not diplomatic hedging. That’s a statement of intent.
The First Execution
Iran plans to hang a young protester Wednesday.
He’d be the first execution directly tied to the anti-regime demonstrations that erupted in late December. The protests started over economic hardship but have evolved into a direct challenge to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s grip on power.
More than 600 protesters have already been killed by security forces. Thousands have been detained. The regime has cut communications and deployed overwhelming force.
Now they’re moving to public executions — a signal that dissent will be met with death.
“You’ll Perhaps Be Very Happy”
Trump’s response to the execution news was vintage Trump.
“I haven’t heard about the hanging. If they hang ’em, you’re gonna see some things that — I don’t know what you’re — where you come from and what your thought process is, but you’ll perhaps be very happy.”
He’s speaking to people who want action against the Iranian regime. He’s promising they’ll get it.
“Very strong action” from this administration has meant Soleimani. It’s meant destroying nuclear facilities. It’s meant capturing Maduro in Venezuela.
When Trump promises “very strong action,” history suggests he means it.
“Help Is on Its Way”
Earlier Tuesday, Trump told Iranian protesters that “help is on its way.”
That’s a direct message to people risking their lives in the streets of Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz. It’s also a warning to the regime that America is watching — and preparing to act.
The 25% tariffs on any country doing business with Iran are already strangling the regime’s finances. Military options remain on the table. The pressure campaign is intensifying.
Executing protesters would accelerate whatever Trump is planning.
Khamenei’s Delusion
The Supreme Leader is blaming America for the protests.
“The great Iranian nation has asserted its resolve and identity in the face of the enemies. This was a warning to US politicians that they should halt their deceitful actions and stop relying on their traitorous hirelings.”
It’s the same playbook every failing dictator uses: blame foreign interference rather than acknowledge that your own people hate you.
Iranians aren’t protesting because America told them to. They’re protesting because the regime has destroyed their economy, crushed their freedoms, and offered nothing but repression.
The mullahs can blame Washington all they want. The people in the streets know who’s responsible for their suffering.
Over 500 Dead
The regime has killed at least 500 protesters — some reports say over 600.
Security forces are shooting people in the streets. They’re arresting thousands. They’re cutting internet access to prevent videos from getting out.
It’s Tiananmen Square tactics: crush dissent with overwhelming force and hope the world doesn’t notice.
But the world is noticing. And Trump is promising consequences.
“I Like Winning”
When asked about his endgame, Trump didn’t give a diplomatic answer about regional stability or negotiated settlements.
“The endgame is to win. I like winning. And we’re winning.”
What does winning look like in Iran?
It could mean regime change — the mullahs overthrown by their own people with American support. It could mean complete nuclear disarmament. It could mean Iran becoming a partner rather than an adversary.
Trump didn’t specify. But he’s made clear that the current regime’s behavior is unacceptable — and he intends to prevail.
The Execution Trigger
Executing the 26-year-old protester would be a significant escalation.
It would signal that the regime intends to terrorize the population into submission. It would demonstrate that peaceful protest is a death sentence. It would confirm that Khamenei has chosen maximum brutality over any accommodation.
Trump has now made clear that such an execution would trigger American action.
The regime has a choice: back down or find out what “very strong action” means.
Red Lines That Mean Something
Remember Obama’s “red line” in Syria? Assad crossed it. Nothing happened. American credibility was destroyed.
Trump’s red lines are different.
He said Iran was threatening American forces. Soleimani got a drone strike.
He said the nuclear program was unacceptable. The facilities got destroyed.
He said Maduro had to go. Maduro is in custody.
When Trump warns of “very strong action,” the smart move is to take him seriously.
The Stakes for Wednesday
Iran plans to execute a protester Wednesday.
If they proceed, they’re betting Trump is bluffing — that his warnings are empty rhetoric like Obama’s.
That’s a dangerous bet.
Trump has demonstrated repeatedly that he acts when he says he’ll act. He has military assets in the region. He has a track record of decisive strikes.
The regime should think very carefully before hanging that young man.
“We’re Winning”
Trump’s confidence is notable.
Despite the chaos of protests, despite the regime’s brutal crackdown, despite the uncertainty — Trump says “we’re winning.”
He sees a regime on the brink. He sees economic pressure working. He sees people willing to die for freedom. He sees an opportunity that might not come again.
The question is whether the mullahs see the same thing — and whether they’re willing to escalate into a confrontation with an American president who likes winning.
Wednesday will tell us a lot.
If that young man hangs, expect “very strong action.”
Trump doesn’t bluff.