U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Iranian citizens to continue their protests against the government, implying that support is forthcoming amidst a severe crackdown on demonstrations that represent the largest wave of civil unrest in years. In a post shared on Truth Social, Trump rallied supporters with a call to action: “Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!!… HELP IS ON ITS WAY,” although he did not clarify what type of assistance he had in mind.
Trump’s reaction to the escalating violence has been to cancel all scheduled meetings with Iranian officials until what he termed the “senseless killing” of protesters comes to an end. During a later address, he urged Iranians to remember the names of those behind the violence and warned that they “will pay a very big price.”
Iranian officials have reported a staggering death toll of around 2,000 in the ongoing protests, a significant acknowledgment of the severity of the unrest. According to the U.S.-based rights group HRANA, among the confirmed deceased, approximately 1,850 were identified as protesters. HRANA also highlighted that close to 16,784 individuals have been taken into custody, a considerable increase from earlier figures.
When pressed for details regarding the promised assistance, Trump indicated that the options were still being considered, which could potentially include military measures to respond to Iran’s violent repression.
In light of the turmoil, the U.S. State Department has advised American citizens to leave Iran as soon as possible, suggesting travel routes through Turkey or Armenia.
Iran has reacted to Trump’s remarks by accusing him of inciting violence and attempting to violate the nation’s sovereignty. Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran’s U.N. Ambassador, criticized the U.S. and Israel for what he described as shared responsibility for the loss of innocent lives during the protests.
Adding to the geopolitical complexities, Russia has condemned external interference in Iran’s internal matters, warning that renewed U.S. military actions could destabilize the entire region. Concurrently, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has reportedly engaged in discussions with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, signaling that Tehran may be examining proposals put forth by the U.S., further complicating the already delicate situation.
This unfolding scenario illustrates the intricate dynamics of international relations intertwined with human rights issues in Iran. Despite the daunting challenges they face, the courage and determination of the Iranian populace remain evident, reflecting a steadfast quest for freedom and justice.