Iranian people request US to keep bombing: President Donald Trump's bizarre claim sparks reactions, 'Voices in his head'
Donald Trump claims that Iranian civilians support US strikes on their infrastructure for freedom, despite concerns over potential violations of international law. Experts warn that targeting civilian infrastructure could backfire, turning public opinion against the US.
US President Donald Trump has claimed that civilians in Iran are welcoming US strikes on infrastructure. Donald Trump claims they are willing to face hardships for the sake of freedom. Trump said the Iranian people have asked America to “please keep bombing”.
Speaking at a White House briefing, Trump dismissed concerns that attacks on power grids and basic services would harm ordinary people. According to him, many Iranians are asking the US to continue strikes despite the risks.
Responding to a question from ABC News, Trump claimed that people living in affected areas had urged the US to “keep bombing”. According to him, these civilians believe such actions could help them achieve freedom from the Islamic Republic.
“These are people who are living where the bombs are exploding. When we leave, and we’re not hitting those areas, they’re saying, ‘Please come back, come back, come back’,” Trump said.
“All I can tell you is they want freedom. They have lived in a world that you know nothing about. It’s a violent, horrible world where if you protest, you are shot,” he added.
Trump also described life in Iran as harsh and violent. “They’re living in Hell,” he said.
The US president said that people in Iran were punished severely for protesting. He argued that the desire for freedom outweighed the suffering caused by damaged infrastructure.
President Trump’s comments came after his earlier warning to Iran of major military action if it did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz. In a phone interview, Trump said the US could “blow up the whole country” and target Iran’s power plants and bridges if no deal was reached.
ABC News’ Mary Bruce asked, “Why would they want you to blow up their infrastructure?”
“They would be willing to suffer that in order to have freedom,” Trump replied.
Violation of international law?
Another reporter pointed out that, according to the Geneva Conventions, deliberate strikes on civilian infrastructure would be a violation.
“I hope I don’t have to do it,” Trump replied.
Donald Trump set a deadline on Tuesday, 7 April. But he has changed timelines earlier, too.
Trump also gave mixed signals. Sometimes he said that the US could act alone. Then, at other times, he asked other countries to lead.
According to him, Iranian civilians support such attacks because they want freedom. However, experts have warned that targeting civilian infrastructure like electricity and water systems is likely to be considered a war crime under international law.
“If it’s civilian infrastructure, which of course could affect things like water treatment plants, hospitals, then many would argue that that’s not a valid military target and against international law. This might turn the people that we were trying to support against us,” Mick Mulroy, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for the Middle East, told ABC.
Social media reaction
Meanwhile, social media reacted strongly to Donald Trump’s “please keep bombing” comment.
“This is devilish,” came a sharp comment.
“He also says tariffs make Americans rich and Diet Coke is healthy. The man hears what he wants,” another user wrote.
One user wrote, “We have a POTUS who is now deranged. Are people in Israel begging Iran to bomb them? Did he bomb the school after 170 little girls begged him to bomb them?”
“Maybe one day in the future, one country will do that to America and their leader will justify it with the same words,” came from another user.
Another user commented, “It’s enough, can’t laugh anymore. It’s not even funny now.”
“The voices in his head told him this,” wrote another user.
About the Author
Sounak Mukhopadhyay covers trending news, sports and entertainment for LiveMint. His reporting focuses on fast-moving stories, box office performance, digital culture and major cricket developments. He combines real-time updates with clear context for everyday readers. <br><br> Sounak brings newsroom experience across breaking news, explainers and long-form features. He has a strong emphasis on accuracy, verification and responsible storytelling. His work tracks audience behaviour, celebrity influence and the business of sport and cinema. He helps readers understand why a story matters beyond the headline. <br><br> Sounak has contributed to widely read digital publications. He continues to build a body of journalism shaped by consistency, speed and editorial clarity. He is particularly interested in the intersection of media, popular culture and public conversation in contemporary India. <br><br> At LiveMint, he writes daily coverage as well as analytical pieces that interpret numbers, trends and cultural moments in accessible language. His approach prioritises factual depth, balanced framing and reader trust. The reporting aligns with modern newsroom standards of transparency and credibility. <br><br> Outside daily reporting, he explores storytelling across formats including podcasts, filmmaking and narrative non-fiction. Through his journalism, Sounak aims to document the rhythms of modern entertainment and sports while maintaining rigorous editorial integrity. <br><br> Sounak continues to develop audience-focused journalism that connects speed with substance in a rapidly-changing information environment. His work seeks clarity, trust and lasting public value in every story he reports.