Trump Encourages Iranian Protests Amid Rising Tensions

Trump's Call to Action for Iranians

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump of the United States urged the Iranian populace to persist in their protests, asserting that “assistance is forthcoming” as demonstrations against the government in Iran entered their third week.

Iranian authorities have consistently accused the US and Israel of instigating the unrest. An unnamed Iranian official informed a news agency that approximately 2,000 individuals, including members of the security forces, have lost their lives during the protests, attributing the violence to “terrorists.”

This statement marked the first acknowledgment from Iranian officials regarding the significant death toll amid the crackdown on dissenters.

Trump took to social media, stating: “Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! Record the names of the killers and abusers. They will face severe consequences… HELP IS ON ITS WAY.”

He also mentioned that he had canceled all meetings with Iranian representatives until the “senseless killing of protesters ceases.”

“The death toll appears substantial, but we are still awaiting confirmation,” Trump remarked, indicating he would receive further updates later that evening.

On the previous day, Trump had threatened military intervention if Tehran continued to harm protesters. A spokesperson from the White House confirmed that military options, including airstrikes, remain “on the table.”

In response to Trump’s comments about “help being on the way,” Iran’s UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani accused him of inciting violence and undermining the nation’s sovereignty and security.

“The United States and the Israeli regime hold direct and undeniable legal responsibility for the loss of innocent lives, especially among the youth,” Iravani stated in a letter to the UN Security Council.

The protests, which began on December 28, initially focused on grievances related to inflation but quickly expanded to calls for an end to clerical governance across more than 100 cities.

On January 8, the Iranian government restricted internet access and phone services, effectively isolating the country. Although some restrictions were lifted on Tuesday, text messaging services remained unavailable, and internet users could only access government-approved sites.

On Monday, the US virtual embassy in Iran advised American citizens to leave the country immediately and to prepare for potential assistance from the US government.

“US citizens should anticipate ongoing internet disruptions, devise alternative communication methods, and, if safe, consider exiting Iran via land routes to Armenia or Türkiye,” the virtual embassy recommended.

Additionally, Trump announced a 25% tariff on goods from nations conducting business with Iran. While China is Iran’s largest trading partner, India ranks among the top five countries with which Tehran has maintained trade relations in recent years.

Without a trade agreement with the US, Indian exports are already subject to a cumulative tariff rate of 50%. This includes a 25% reciprocal duty imposed on August 7, followed by an additional 25% punitive tariff on August 27.