US President Donald Trump called on Iranians to continue protesting and take power over institutions. He promised to help them, but did not reveal further details yet.
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday called on Iranians to continue large-scale nationwide protests and take control of institutions. He assured them that “help is on the way” but gave no further details. TASR informs about it according to AFP and AP agencies.
“Iranian patriots, KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE POWER OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! Remember the names of the murderers and tyrants. They will pay a heavy price,” Trump said in a post on his Truth Social social network.
Trump’s call to the Iranians
“I have canceled all meetings with Iranian officials until the senseless killing of protesters END. HELP IS ON THE WAY,” the president added.
According to the AP, Trump has seemingly changed his stance on his willingness to negotiate with the Iranian government. In connection with interventions at protests, he has already threatened it with attacks several times, which, according to him, prompted Tehran to take an interest in negotiations with Washington.
Blocked internet and victims
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt confirmed only Monday that the communication channel with Tehran remained open, adding that Iran had taken a “completely different tone” in private talks with Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff.
The largest demonstrations in Iran since the turn of 2022 and 2023 were started on December 28 by a protest by traders in Tehran against rising prices and a sharp weakening of the Iranian currency, the rial. Since then, they have grown into large-scale anti-government demonstrations across the country, and according to activists, they have already claimed at least 2,000 lives. On January 8, the government blocked the country’s internet and phone calls abroad, which complicated the spread of information about the situation.
