The wave of anti-government protests is intensifying, with the international community expressing strong concern over the possibility of widespread repression. Newer posts by the president of the United States, come to shed even more light on the developments, as he states that “Iran longs for freedom” and that the US “is ready to help”.
The post on Truth Social and the message of support
In a post on the Truth Social platform, Donald Trump said: “Iran is yearning for freedom like perhaps never before. The United States is ready to help!!!” The message came at a time of intense turmoil inside the country, with images of clashes and mass gatherings circulating around the world, despite severe restrictions on internet access.
Increase in casualties and internet blackouts
According to human rights organizations cited by the BBC, at least 51 protesters have been killed in recent days. Hospitals are reportedly suffocating from the growing number of injured, while a near-total internet blackout since the evening of January 8 has dramatically hampered information verification and insider coverage. International news networks, such as the BBC, say they are unable to report regularly inside the country.
Tough rhetoric from Trump and warnings to Tehran
The US president had already raised the tone a day earlier, pointing out that Iran is in “big trouble” and warning: “You better not start shooting, because we will start shooting too.” Statements taken as a clear message to the Iranian leadership amid escalating tension in the streets.
Discussions in Washington about possible military scenarios
Sources cited by the Wall Street Journal say Trump administration officials have held preliminary discussions about possible scenarios for military action against Iran, if deemed necessary to implement the US president’s warnings. Among the options is reportedly considering a large-scale air operation on multiple military targets. At the same time, other officials stress that there is no definitive consensus on the course of action and that no movement of military forces or equipment has been recorded so far.
The attitude of the Iranian regime is hardening
Iranian authorities appear determined to prevent further escalation, attributing the protests to “terrorist groups”. The Revolutionary Guards speak of a “red line” to preserve the regime, while openly accusing the United States and Israel of inciting the unrest. At the same time, the intelligence services of the Guards announced the arrest of a foreign national on suspicion of spying for Israel.
New episodes in many cities – blurry picture due to restrictions
Clashes and incidents are reported in many parts of the country, but the widespread internet blackout limits the full picture of the situation. Despite the barriers to information, the protest movement seems to be gaining ground, while international interest and Trump’s statements add a new geopolitical dimension to the developments.
The next day and the international balances
The US president’s message of “readiness to help” raises the diplomatic thermometer further, at a time when Iran is facing its biggest anti-government protests in recent years. The course of the protests, the reaction of the regime and the next moves of Washington are reshaping the landscape in the Middle East, leaving open all possibilities for the developments of the following days.
