U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday urged Iranians to continue protesting against their government and to “remember the names of the killers and abusers,” saying that help is on the way, as Iran intensified its crackdown on the country’s largest demonstrations in years.
Trump, posting on Truth Social, did not clarify what form the promised help would take but said he had canceled all meetings with Iranian officials until the “senseless killing” of protesters stopped. In a later speech, he warned that those responsible would “pay a very big price.”
Iranian authorities reported that about 2,000 people have been killed during more than two weeks of unrest, the first time they have given an official death toll. Rights groups estimate that 1,850 of the victims were protesters and that more than 16,700 people have been detained.
The protests, which began on December 28 over a sharp fall in the value of Iran’s currency, have expanded into widespread demonstrations against the clerical establishment. Iranian authorities have condemned Trump’s remarks, accusing the U.S. of encouraging political destabilization and inciting violence.
Iran’s U.N. Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani said Trump’s statement threatens the country’s sovereignty and holds the U.S. and Israel legally responsible for the loss of civilian lives. Russia also criticized “subversive external interference” in Iran, warning of potential regional consequences.
Trump further warned in a CBS News interview that the U.S. would take “very strong action” if Iran began executing protesters, although he did not provide details. Human rights groups report that executions are common in Iranian prisons, and one protester, Erfan Soltani, is reportedly scheduled for execution, though this could not be independently confirmed.
Communications restrictions, including an internet blackout, have limited reporting from the country. However, Starlink satellite internet services, provided by Elon Musk, are reportedly now available free in Iran.
The unrest comes amid mounting international pressure following Israeli and U.S. military strikes last year. The U.S. also recently imposed 25% tariffs on imports from countries doing business with Iran, drawing criticism from China.
European nations have condemned Iran’s crackdown, summoning Iranian ambassadors in protest. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the rising death toll as “horrifying,” while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested that the government’s reliance on violence signals its potential collapse.
Despite the violence, Iran’s authorities have maintained that protests over economic issues are legitimate, and there are no visible fractures within the security elite. Analysts warn that the situation remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation in both domestic unrest and international tensions