U.S. President Donald Trump has urged the Iranian people to continue their protests and to remember the names of those responsible for the violence against them, asserting that assistance is forthcoming. His remarks come as the Iranian government intensifies its crackdown on what has been described as the largest demonstrations in years.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump encouraged “Iranian Patriots” to persist in their protests and “take over your institutions,” asserting that help is on the way, though he did not specify what this assistance would entail. He indicated that he has chosen to cancel all meetings with Iranian officials until what he termed the “senseless killing” of protesters ceases. Trump further insisted that protesters should “save the name of the killers and the abusers,” warning that they would face severe consequences for their actions.
According to an Iranian official, about 2,000 individuals have been killed during the unrest, marking the first time authorities have officially reported a total death toll in the wake of over two weeks of protests. The U.S.-based rights group HRANA has confirmed the deaths of 2,003 people, with 1,850 identified as protesters. Furthermore, HRANA reported a significant rise in detentions, with 16,784 individuals now in custody.
When asked about his statement regarding help being on the way, Trump left it open-ended, suggesting reporters would need to determine the meaning behind his words. He has hinted at the possibility of military action as one of the measures he is considering in response to the Iranian government’s crackdown.
The U.S. State Department has advised American citizens to leave Iran immediately, recommending travel by land through neighboring Turkey or Armenia as a safe exit strategy.
On the Iranian side, authorities have accused the U.S. and Israel of instigating the protests. Iran’s U.N. Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani condemned Trump’s comments, claiming they incite violence and jeopardize Iranian sovereignty and security. He stated that both the U.S. and Israel are legally responsible for the harm inflicted on innocent civilians during the unrest, especially the youth.
Additionally, Russia condemned what it described as “subversive external interference” in Iran’s domestic affairs, cautioning that any repetition of past U.S. military strikes could lead to catastrophic consequences for regional and worldwide stability. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi indicated ongoing communication with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, emphasizing that Tehran is exploring ideas proposed by Washington.
The situation remains fluid as the world watches the developments in Iran closely, with hopes that peaceful dialogue may eventually bring about a resolution to the unrest.
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