New Delhi, April 5 -- In a striking claim, President Donald Trump said the US had attempted to arm anti-government protesters in Iran earlier this year.

"We sent guns to the protesters, a lot of them. And I think the Kurds took the guns," Trump told Fox News.

There has been no independent confirmation of this claim.

Trump also alleged that the Iranian government "slaughtered" 45,000 people during recent anti-regime protests.

Follow updates on US-Iran war news here

However, no official figures have been released by Iran, with estimates from activists and reports varying widely.

Kurdish rebel groups based in northern Iraq earlier indicated they are prepared to confront Iranian forces if necessary.

Senior commander Roken Nerada of the...