Washington / Tehran | Jan 13 — GeokHub U.S. President Donald Trump urged Iranians to continue protesting against their government on Tuesday, saying “help is on its way” as nationwide demonstrations escalate amid a harsh crackdown by Iranian authorities.
In a message posted on Truth Social, Trump called on “Iranian Patriots” to “keep protesting – take over your institutions!” and to document the names of security forces involved in suppressing demonstrators. He also said he had cancelled all planned meetings with Iranian officials until the “senseless killing” of protesters stops, underscoring the growing tensions between the United States and Tehran.
The president did not clarify what form the promised “help” would take, but his remarks mark the clearest signal yet that the U.S. could take stronger action in response to Tehran’s lethal response to dissent. Earlier this week Trump hinted that military options remained on the table if the crackdown continued.
Iran has witnessed widespread protests for more than two weeks, initially sparked by economic hardship but rapidly expanding into broader opposition to the clerical establishment. Iranian officials this week provided a higher estimate for overall fatalities since the unrest began—around 2,000 people killed, according to government figures, the first official death toll offered amid conflicting reports from rights groups and external monitors.
As violence persisted, Washington also issued a travel warning urging U.S. citizens to leave Iran immediately, including by land routes through neighboring countries, citing deteriorating security conditions.
The United States’ tougher stance comes as Tehran has tightened internal controls, including internet shutdowns, and as demonstrations continue despite a campaign of arrests and forceful suppression by Iranian security forces. Human rights observers describe the crackdown as one of the most severe in years.
Iranian government sources have brushed off foreign criticism, warning that any external interference could further escalate the situation. The dynamic underscores the fragility of relations between Washington and Tehran, with calls intensifying among some U.S. lawmakers for stronger measures if human rights abuses continue.
Impact & Analysis
Trump’s public encouragement of Iranian protesters and his declaration that help is forthcoming represent a significant rhetorical escalation in U.S. foreign policy toward Iran. With both diplomatic channels stalled and civilian deaths mounting, analysts say Washington may be signaling a mix of political, economic, and potentially military options to exert pressure on Tehran. The unfolding situation could reshape geopolitical alignments in the Middle East and heighten tensions between global powers invested in the crisis.
