Donald Trump says America is 'ready to help' ensure freedom in Iran

President Donald Trump has revealed his plans to retaliate against Iran after its regime killed more than 50 protesters despite the president's dire warnings. 

Trump posted on Truth Social on Saturday that the US is 'ready to help' Iranians.

'Iran is looking for FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!,' Trump posted on Truth Social at 1.27pm.

He later claimed the US is the 'hottest and most successful country anywhere in the world'.

The president previously warned the Iranian leaders would be 'hit very hard' if demonstrators continued to die. 

US officials revealed to the Wall Street Journal that the Trump administration has had preliminary discussions on executing an attack against Iran. 

The administration reportedly discussed a large-scale aerial strike on multiple military targets. 

While several options have been mentioned, officials warned they are a part of normal military planning.

One official told the WSJ that no military equipment or personnel have been moved and there are no signs of an imminent attack on the regime. 

This comes after Trump said on Friday it looked as if Iran's leaders were 'in big trouble' and repeated his earlier threat of military strikes if peaceful protesters are killed. 

Speaking on Air Force One earlier this week, he told journalists: 'We're watching it very closely. If they start killing people like they have in the past, I think they're going to get hit very hard by the United States.'

The death toll rose drastically overnight with Iranian rights group HRANA reporting 65 deaths, including 50 protesters and 15 security personnel, as of January 9.

An Iranian doctor reported a large number of injured protestors had been brought to hospitals. Some were badly beaten, suffering head injuries and broken legs and arms, as well as deep cuts.

Protests have taken place across Iran for 13 days in a movement sparked by anger over the rising cost of living, with growing calls for the end of the clerical system that has ruled Iran since the 1979 Islamic revolution, which ousted the pro-Western shah.

Protests have spread to more than 220 towns and cities in every one of Iran's 31 provinces. 

The country's infamous Revolutionary Guards and other law enforcement agencies are launching a brutal crackdown on demonstrators, with the nation's attorney general, Mohammad Movahedi Azad, warning anyone taking part in protests would be considered 'an enemy of God'.

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Iran defies Trump: Islamic Republic kills 50 protesters in defiance of Donald Trump's warning

This offense is punishable by death under Iran's strict laws, and even those who assisted protesters would also be prosecuted, a statement on state TV reported.

It appears to be a desperate bid to try and limit the number of protesters after Friday night saw some of the largest swells of activists yet. 

In response to the president's threats, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Trump's hands are 'stained with the blood of Iranians.'

'[The terrorists] are ruining their own streets … in order to please the president of the United States because he said that he would come to their aid,' he said Friday. 

On Saturday, Trump reshared an X post from South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham on the ongoing unrest in the Middle East. 

'This is truly not the Obama administration when it comes to standing up to the Iranian ayatollah and his religious Nazi henchmen, and standing behind the people of Iran protesting for a better life,' he wrote, in part. 

'To the regime leadership: your brutality against the great people of Iran will not go unchallenged. Make Iran Great Again.' 

Graham posted again an hour later, telling the Iranian people their 'long nightmare is soon coming to a close'. 

'When President Trump says Make Iran Great Again, it means the protestors in Iran must prevail over the ayatollah. That is the clearest signal yet that he, President Trump understands Iran will never be great with the ayatollah and his henchmen in charge,' Graham continued. 

'To all who are sacrificing in Iran, God bless. Help is on the way.'

Secretary of State Marco Rubio also expressed support for Iran. 

'The United States supports the brave people of Iran,' he said on X. 

Trump also posted in support of the Venezuelan people on Saturday afternoon, one week after the country captured and imprisoned President Nicolas Maduro.

'I love the Venezuelan people, and am already making Venezuela rich and safe again,' Trump posted. 

'Congratulations and thank you to all of those people who are making this possible!!!'