What a stupid question: Trump snaps back at reporter over Iran threat query

US President Donald Trump engaged in a sharp exchange with a reporter over Iran, dismissing questions about whether Tehran takes his threats seriously. Pointing to past US actions under his leadership, including the killing of Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani and Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al Baghdadi, Trump said Iran had “been through it for years” with him, adding, “What a stupid question.”

The exchange unfolded aboard Air Force One on Sunday as deadly protests continued to grip Iran, with rights groups reporting that the nationwide unrest has now claimed the lives of more than 500 people in just over two weeks — one of the deadliest crackdowns in recent years.

Iran has warned the US of serious consequences if it intervenes.

When asked about Iran’s warning that it would treat US military and commercial bases as legitimate targets in the event of a strike, Trump replied, "If they do that, we'll consider things targets that they wouldn't believe. We will hit them at levels that they've never been hit before."

Pressed again on whether Iran would take such threats seriously, Trump reiterated his dismissal of the question. "Wouldn't you say that they probably do at this point? What a stupid question," the President added.

The President's remarks came as the President and his national security team have been weighing a range of potential responses against Iran, including cyberattacks, The Associated Press reported.

While addressing reporters, Trump claimed that Iran had proposed negotiations following his threat to strike the Islamic Republic over its violent crackdown. He said his administration was in discussions to arrange a meeting with Tehran but warned that he might have to act first, as the death toll continues to rise.

“I think they’re tired of being beat up by the US. Iran wants to negotiate.The meeting is being set up, but we may have to act because of what’s happening before the meeting. But a meeting is being set up. Iran called, they want to negotiate," he added.

There was, however, no official response from Iran.

Over the two weeks of protests in Iran, more than 10,600 people also have been detained, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.

With the internet down in Iran and phone lines cut off, gauging the demonstrations from abroad has grown more difficult. Iran’s government has not offered overall casualty figures.

Protesters flooded the streets in the country’s capital and its second-largest city on Saturday night into Sunday morning. Online videos purported to show more demonstrations Sunday night into Monday.

The protests first erupted on December 28 over the collapse of the Iranian rial currency, which trades at over 1.4 million to USD 1, as the country’s economy is squeezed by international sanctions in part levied over its nuclear programme.

The protests intensified and grew into calls directly challenging Iran’s theocracy.

- Ends

(With inputs from AP)

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