US President Donald Trump on Tuesday urged Iranians to continue mass protests against their government, signalling possible imminent American action as the death toll from the unrest crossed 2,000.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the protesters as “Iranian patriots” and called on them to take control of state institutions, claiming that US support was forthcoming without offering specifics. He ended the post with the slogan “Make Iran Great Again (MIGA)”.
“Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING — TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! … HELP IS ON ITS WAY,” Trump wrote, adding that he had cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials until the “senseless killing” of protesters stopped.
Trump’s remarks came amid widespread anti-government demonstrations across Iran, which have shown no signs of slowing. Speaking earlier aboard Air Force One, Trump said Iran’s leadership had reached out seeking negotiations following US threats of military action.
“The leaders of Iran called yesterday,” Trump told reporters on Sunday. “A meeting is being set up. They want to negotiate.”
However, Trump cautioned that Washington may act before any talks take place, warning that the US is considering “very strong options” in response to Tehran’s crackdown on demonstrators. He said he was receiving hourly briefings and that a decision could be made soon.
Trump added that the US military is assessing possible courses of action as part of a broader review of responses to the situation in Iran.
On Monday evening, Trump announced a 25% import tariff on goods from any country doing business with Iran, a major oil exporter. He also reiterated that military action remains an option, saying earlier this month that the United States was “locked and loaded”.
Tehran has yet to respond publicly to the tariff announcement, but the move was swiftly criticised by China. Iran, already under extensive international sanctions, exports much of its oil to China, with Turkey, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates and India also among its major trading partners.
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