US President Donald Trump on Tuesday ( 13 January) strongly backed anti-regime protesters in Iran, urging them to continue demonstrations and claiming that American support was imminent.
In a clear social media post, Trump told Iranian protesters to “keep protesting” and called on them to “take over your institutions,” signaling direct encouragement for regime change from a sitting US president. He also said he had cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials until the killing of protesters stops, although he did not clearly state whether the US would intervene militarily.
‘Help is on the way’- Trump
Trump asked protesters to document the names of security officials involved in the crackdown, warning that they would “pay a big price” in the future. He ended his message with the line, “HELP IS ON ITS WAY,” which quickly drew global attention and raised questions about Washington’s next steps. While Trump avoided spelling out specific actions, his comments marked a sharp escalation in rhetoric against Tehran.
These statements came as Iran continues to face one of the worst waves of unrest in decades. Protests erupted nearly two weeks ago after the Iranian currency sharply lost value, leading to soaring prices, job losses, and widespread economic hardship. What began as economic demonstrations soon turned political, with protesters openly chanting against the Supreme Leader and calling for an end to clerical rule. The unrest has spread across all 31 provinces, affecting major cities as well as smaller towns.
What’s the Current Situation in Iran
Iranian security forces have responded with heavy force. Clashes between protesters and security personnel have turned deadly, and authorities have carried out mass arrests while tightening control over the internet and social media. According to reports cited by international media, around 2,000 people, including security personnel, have been killed since the protests began, highlighting the scale and intensity of the violence.
Meanwhile, Trump has increased pressure on Iran through economic and military warnings. On Monday, he announced a 25% import tariff on goods from any country that continues to do business with Iran, aiming to further isolate Tehran economically. Earlier this month, he also warned that military action remains an option, stating that the United States is “locked and loaded” if Iran continues its crackdown on protesters.
Iranian authorities have blamed foreign powers, particularly the US, for fueling unrest and destabilizing the country. However, protesters continue to defy security measures, suggesting that public anger runs deeper than official claims of outside interference. As tensions rise, Trump’s open backing of protesters has added an international dimension to Iran’s internal crisis, increasing the risk of a wider confrontation in an already volatile region.