President Donald Trump has stated that the United States attempted to supply weapons to anti-government protesters in Iran, but the effort failed after the arms were diverted before reaching their intended recipients.
Speaking to reporters during a White House Easter event, Trump said the weapons were meant to help protesters defend themselves against government forces.
“We sent guns, a lot of guns; they were supposed to go to the people so they could fight back against these thugs,” he said.
According to Trump, the weapons never reached the protesters. “You know what happened? The people that they sent them to kept them,” he added, expressing frustration and warning that those responsible would “pay a big price.”
The US president did not specify who he believed diverted the weapons during his remarks. However, reports quoting a Fox News journalist indicated that Trump had earlier blamed Kurdish intermediaries for allegedly withholding the arms intended for Iranian dissidents.
The claim, if confirmed, could raise serious questions about covert operations and the handling of sensitive support efforts tied to unrest in Iran.
What you should know
Donald Trump has claimed that a US effort to arm Iranian protesters failed after the weapons were diverted before reaching them.
While he did not name those responsible in his latest remarks, earlier reports suggest Kurdish intermediaries may have been involved.
The allegation, if verified, could have significant geopolitical implications and raises concerns about the management of covert support operations.
