US President Donald Trump has urged Iranian protesters to continue their demonstrations, saying that “help is on its way,” even as authorities in Tehran face mounting criticism over a violent crackdown on dissent. The message comes amid reports of nearly 2,000 deaths since protests erupted late last year.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump said, “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.”
Death toll mounts as crackdown continues
According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), at least 1,847 protesters, including nine minors, have been killed since demonstrations began on December 28. The protests, initially driven by economic distress, have since widened into broader anti-government rallies across multiple cities.
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Iranian authorities have responded with a hardline approach. The country’s judiciary has warned of “swift and harsh” punishment, instructing courts to show no leniency toward those described as rioters.
Diplomatic signals and rising tensions
Trump’s remarks follow comments by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who said he had remained in contact with US special envoy Steve Witkoff, indicating that diplomatic channels were still open. However, Trump later said he had shut the door on any talks with Tehran until the crackdown ends.
The statement marks a sharp escalation in already strained US-Iran relations. Trump has previously said that Washington is considering “very strong options” against Iran. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that airstrikes are among the “many, many options” being weighed, while stressing that diplomacy remains the administration’s “first option."
New tariff threats linked to Iran trade
In a separate announcement, Trump said the US would impose a 25 per cent tariff on any country doing business with Iran. He said, “Effective immediately, any country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a tariff of 25% on any and all business being done with the United States of America. This order is final and conclusive.”
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Why did the protests begin?
The unrest began when shopkeepers in Tehran protested soaring inflation and the sharp fall in the Iranian rial, which has pushed up prices of daily essentials. The economic strain, compounded by US sanctions, drew more groups into the protests, prompting the ongoing crackdown.
