WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday urged Iranians to continue nationwide demonstrations and “take over your institutions,” saying that help was coming, even as Iran’s clerical leadership intensified its crackdown on what has become the largest wave of protests in years. Tehran, meanwhile, accused Washington of fueling instability and inciting violence.
“Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING — TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! … HELP IS ON ITS WAY,” Trump posted on Truth Social, offering no clarity on what form that support might take. He added that he had canceled all engagements with Iranian officials until what he called the “senseless killing” of protesters ended.
In a later address, Trump urged demonstrators to “remember the names of the killers and abusers… because they’ll pay a very big price.”
An Iranian official said around 2,000 people had been killed, the first time authorities have acknowledged a nationwide toll. U.S.-based rights group HRANA reported 2,003 confirmed deaths, including 1,850 protesters, and said 16,784 people had been detained, marking a sharp rise from previous estimates.
Pressed on what he meant by help “on the way,” Trump said reporters would “figure that out.” He reiterated that military action remained an option.
“The killing looks significant, but we need more clarity,” Trump said, adding he expected a detailed briefing later in the day. “We’ll act accordingly.”
The U.S. State Department urged American citizens to leave Iran immediately, including via land routes through Turkey or Armenia.
Iran Points to U.S. and Israel
Tehran accused the United States and Israel of orchestrating the unrest. Responding to Trump’s remarks, Iran’s U.N. Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani said Washington was “inciting violence, threatening sovereignty, and seeking to destabilize the country.”
He wrote to the U.N. Security Council, saying: “The United States and the Israeli regime bear direct and undeniable legal responsibility for the loss of innocent civilian lives, particularly among youth.”
Russia also condemned what it called “external interference” and warned any U.S. military action would have “disastrous consequences” for the Middle East.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi confirmed ongoing communication with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, saying Tehran was reviewing Washington’s proposals.
Trump Warns Against Executions
In an interview with CBS News, Trump threatened “very strong action” if Iran executed protesters.
According to the Norway-based Iran Human Rights organization, hangings are common in Iranian prisons. Kurdish rights group Hengaw reported that 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, arrested in Karaj, was scheduled for execution Wednesday, citing a source close to his family.
WNN could not independently confirm this report, and Iranian state media has not announced executions. Internet restrictions and communication blackouts continue to hinder access to information, though the U.N. says phone lines have partially returned.
Holistic Resilience, a U.S.-based organization, said Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service was now being made freely available inside Iran.
Economic Anger Fuels Unrest
The protests began on December 28 following a steep currency collapse and have since expanded into demands for political change, the most serious challenge to Iran’s rulers in at least three years.
Iran’s leadership has taken a dual approach: harsh crackdowns alongside statements acknowledging economic grievances. There is no visible split within the security establishment so far.
European governments summoned Iranian ambassadors to protest the crackdown. “The rising death toll is horrifying,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he believed Iran’s leadership was nearing collapse: “If a regime survives only through violence, it is already at its end.”
-Frances Osterman
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