U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday urged Iranians to continue protesting against their government, saying “help is on its way,” as Iran’s clerical establishment intensified its crackdown on the largest demonstrations in years.
Trump, in a post on Truth Social, told Iranians to “save the name of the killers and the abusers … because they’ll pay a very big price,” without specifying what support would be provided. He also cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials until the “senseless killing” of protesters stopped.
Iran responded by accusing Trump of inciting violence and threatening the country’s sovereignty, while Iran’s U.N. ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani said the United States and Israel bore “direct and undeniable legal responsibility” for civilian deaths. Russia also condemned what it called “subversive external interference,” warning of potential consequences for Middle East stability.
According to Iran Human Rights groups, at least 1,850 protesters have been killed among more than 2,000 reported deaths, and 16,784 people detained. Reports of imminent executions, including that of a 26-year-old protester in Karaj, have emerged, though these could not be independently confirmed.
The unrest, which began on December 28 over economic hardship, has escalated into broader calls for the fall of the clerical establishment. Communications restrictions have limited information, though Elon Musk’s Starlink service is now reportedly available for free in Iran.
Internationally, Britain, France, Germany, and Italy have summoned Iranian ambassadors in protest. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described casualties as “horrifying,” while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested the government could be nearing its end.
