US President Donald Trump has urged Iranian protesters to continue their demonstrations, promising that "help is on its way" without providing details. The statement comes amid reports that nearly 2,000 people have been killed in a crackdown following weeks of anti-government protests in Iran.
According US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) said that 1,847 protesters, including 9 minors, have been killed in Iran since the demonstrations began on 28 December.
What Did Trump Say?
"Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING - TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price. I have cancelled all meetings with Iranian Officials until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS. HELP IS ON ITS WAY. MIGA!!! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP," the president posted on Truth Social.
Yesterday the Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had said he'd been in touch with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and that communication channel remained open. But, Trump said that he has shut the lid on all prospects of meeting with Tehran until the crackdown on protestors stop.
While it remains unclear what "help is on its way" specifically means, the message marks a significant escalation in the already strained relations between Tehran and Washington. President Trump had previously stated that the US military is considering "very strong options" regarding Iran, which drew a sharp response from Iranian officials.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told journalists yesterday that airstrikes are among the "many, many options" under consideration, though she emphasised that diplomacy remains the administration's "first option."
Trump Imposes Tariffs On Countries Doing Business With Iran
The message follows a new directive from Trump targeting nations that trade with Iran. Trump announced that any country doing business with the Islamic Republic will face a 25 per cent tariff on all trade conducted with the United States.
"Effective immediately, any country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a tariff of 25% on any and all business being done with the United States of America. This order is final and conclusive," the US president said in a statement.
Why Are There Protests In Iran?
Protests in Iran started on 28 December when shopkeepers took to the streets of Tehran to express their anger at soaring inflation and falling value of the Iranian currency, rial, which has resulted in crippling price rises for everyday items. This put even more pressure on the economy, already weakened by US imposed sanctions. Soon, other groups joined the protests which led to harsh crackdown by Iranian government.
Iran's judiciary chief vowed "swift and harsh" punishment, warning courts to show no leniency towards "rioters".
