Donald Trump has sent a message to Iranian protesters that “help is on its way” as nationwide unrest grips the country amid a deadly crackdown on dissent.
At least 2,000 people have been killed and thousands more arrested, according to human rights groups, with an impenetrable media blackout still in place.
The American leader urged demonstrations, triggered initially by a spiralling economy, to continue and warned Iran would “pay a big price” for the killings.
“Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!!” he wrote in a post on Truth Social on Tuesday.
Mr Trump said all meetings with Iranian officials – who had previously suggested they were “open to dialogue” – had been cancelled.
“Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price. I have cancelled all meetings with Iranian Officials until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS. HELP IS ON ITS WAY. MIGA!!!”
Russia condemned US involvement with a pointed statement by its foreign ministry warning against “subversive external interference”, adding that the threat of US military strikes was “categorically unacceptable”.
The Islamic Republic will carry out its first execution of a protester accused of taking part in the demonstrations tomorrow, according to Hengaw Organisation for Human Rights, an independent NGO based in Norway.
Erfan Soltan, a 26-year-old resident of Fardis, was arrested at his home six days ago and faces death by hanging on Wednesday.
Mr Soltani’s “shocked” and “despairing” family were told of the decision on Monday and have been refused information about his charges or judicial proceedings, the organisation said.
Mr Trump has been unequivocal about using military force in Iran if protesters are killed and was reported to be discussing “several options” with senior military officials on Tuesday.
He announced the imposition of a 25 per cent tariff on Iran’s trading partners “effective immediately” as experts told The Independent that the policy could have a knock-on effect on supply chains across the world. The proposal is yet to be approved by the Supreme Court, but could lead to political ramifications and instability in the region, they said.
Iran has vowed to retaliate and hit US positions in the region if Mr Trump green lights military action. However, it is unclear how serious a threat that is, as the country remains battered by a 12-day war with Israel and the US last year, which pounded much of its military infrastructure, including aid defence systems, its commanders and its nuclear facilities.
German chancellor Friedrich Merz said, “We are now witnessing the final days and weeks” of the present government.
