The United States has again issued a stern warning to Iran as anti-government protests and clashes escalate across the country. US President Donald Trump has said that Iran is now in great danger and that he may order military strikes if necessary.

Speaking to reporters on Friday (January 9), Trump said, "
Iran is in big trouble. It seems to me that the people are taking control of cities that no one could have imagined a few weeks ago."

Videos circulating on social media showed anti-government protests spreading across cities in Iran. Authorities have shut down the internet across the country to bring the situation under control.

Trump, who ordered the bombing of Iran last June, further warned, "
If you start shooting, we will shoot."

Earlier on Friday, in a speech on Iranian state television, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called the ongoing protests a "terrorist activity" and called for national unity. He said foreign enemies - especially the United States - were instigating the protests.