President Donald Trump issued a direct warning to Iran's ruling regime on Thursday amid widespread pro-democracy protests across the country.

The New York Post reported that Trump told Iranian leaders in an interview with radio host Hugh Hewitt that the United States would respond "very strongly" if the regime began killing protesters.

"They tend to kill people during riots, and if they kill people, we're going to, we're going to respond to it, and we're going to respond to it, very strongly," Trump said in his interview with Hewitt on Thursday, as quoted by the New York Post.

Trump had previously warned last month that the government would face consequences if it opened fire on protesters.

Trump stated that he was closely monitoring the situation and noted that there had been three instances of stampedes as crowds gathered. He said he had sent a stronger warning message to Iran than he was mentioning on the air.

ABC News reported Trump as saying the U.S. was "ready" if Iran kills peaceful protesters.

The New York Post reported that the protests, which began in Tehran and rapidly spread nationwide, saw crowds chanting for freedom and democratic reforms amid growing anger over economic hardship, corruption, and political repression.

Videos circulating online captured massive crowds filling major streets and squares, with one clip widely shared showing a building engulfed in flames as protesters cheered.

The Iranian government has responded with a heavy hand, deploying additional security forces, intensifying internet controls, and warning of harsh punishments, according to the Post.

CBS News reported that activists said at least 36 people had died as the protests intensified.

The White House framed Trump's stance as support for ordinary Iranians seeking freedom and warned Tehran that it would face consequences if it escalated violence against civilians, according to administration statements cited by multiple media outlets.

Iranian authorities have blamed foreign influence for the protests and continue to arrest and suppress them, according to Al Jazeera.

Analysts suggest the protests represent one of the most significant surges of anti-government discontent in years, and that Iranian rulers are once again relying on repression to maintain power, according to PBS NewsHour.

By Sung Ku Hong, Chief Reporter, NNP / Special Correspondent, NNP info@newsandpost.com