‘Help is on its way’: Trump says US support on way to Iranian protesters, suspends talks with officials
In a post on Truth Social, Trump urged protesters to continue their movement against the government.
“Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! 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!!! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP,” the Republican President posted.
The death toll from the days-long protests in Iran climbed to 2,000 on Tuesday as citizens continued demonstrations against the government over hyperinflation and economic hardships.
Also Read | Iran: 2000 people killed amidst protests; official pins blame on ‘terrorists’, report says
The move comes after the US president already intensified pressure on Tehran through economic means by announcing that any country continuing business with Iran would face a 25% tariff on its trade with Washington.
Trump’s latest remarks also build on comments he made over the weekend, when he warned that Iran appeared to be crossing a “red line” over its treatment of protesters. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, the businessman-turned-politician said the Islamic Republic was increasingly ruling through violence.“There seem to be some people killed that aren’t supposed to be killed… if you call them leaders, I don’t know if they’re leaders or if they just rule through violence,” Trump had said. “We’re looking at some very strong options; we’ll make a determination.”
As the protests rocked the Middle Eastern country, Trump had declared that the United States stood ready to help Iran’s population as the it confronted what he described as an unprecedented push toward “freedom.”
“Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!” he had written in an earlier Truth Social post.
Meanwhile, Iran has earlier warned to the US of military retaliation if Washington acts on President Donald Trump’s suggestions of striking the Islamic Republic.
Speaking in Iran’s parliament, Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said that any US attack would make American bases, forces and ships in the region, along with Israel, “legitimate targets.” He warned Tehran would not wait to respond after being attacked and could launch pre-emptive action if it detected signs of a threat.
What is happening in Iran?
Iran has been grappling with intense unrest for over two weeks, with protests initially triggered by soaring inflation and economic hardship before escalating into nationwide demonstrations and violent clashes between protesters and security forces.
Meanwhile, as Iranian authorities restricted internet access nationwide for the second consecutive day on Monday.
Also Read | Iran warns US troops and Israel will be targets if America strikes over protests as death toll rises
As the turmoil spread, authorities imposed a near-total digital blackout, making independent verification of casualties increasingly difficult.
Moreover, Iranian state television has broadcast images of large pro-government rallies, describing them as an “uprising against American-Zionist terrorism,” while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claimed the situation was “under total control.”
