U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Iranians to persist in their protests, indicating that assistance is on the horizon amid Iran’s intensifying crackdown on demonstrations, which mark the largest civil unrest in years. In a post on Truth Social, Trump urged, “Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!!… HELP IS ON ITS WAY,” though he did not specify what this help would entail.
In response to the protests that have claimed lives, Trump announced that he would cancel all meetings with Iranian officials until what he termed the “senseless killing” of protesters ceased. During a subsequent address, he encouraged Iranians to remember the names of those responsible for the violence, warning that they would “pay a very big price.”
Recent claims from Iranian officials indicate that approximately 2,000 individuals have died amid the unrest, marking the first time such a death toll has been publicly acknowledged. A U.S.-based rights group, HRANA, reported that of the confirmed deaths, 1,850 were protesters. Furthermore, the group noted that around 16,784 individuals have been detained, a significant increase from previous estimates.
When asked about his statement regarding help on the way, Trump told reporters that it was something they would need to figure out, hinting at military action among other options to punish Iran for its violent crackdown.
In advising American citizens to exit Iran immediately, the U.S. State Department recommended travel through Turkey or Armenia.
Iran has responded to Trump’s comments by accusing him of inciting violence and attempting to undermine the country’s sovereignty. Iran’s U.N. Ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, criticized Trump, asserting that the United States and Israel share direct responsibility for the loss of innocent lives amid the protests.
Adding to the geopolitical tension, Russia condemned what it described as “subversive external interference” in Iran’s internal affairs, cautioning that a recurrence of U.S. military strikes could have dire repercussions for regional and global stability. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has been in discussions with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, suggesting Tehran is exploring solutions proposed by the U.S., complicating the volatile situation further.
This situation underscores the complicated web of international relations and human rights concerns that surround the protests in Iran, highlighting a broader narrative of resistance against oppressive regimes. The future remains uncertain, but the resilience of the Iranian people continues to shine through despite the challenges they face.