By President Donald Trump issued a stark message of encouragement Tuesday to anti-government protesters in Iran, declaring that “help is on its way” as demonstrations spread nationwide and security forces intensify a sweeping crackdown.
The unrest, which erupted in late December amid Iran’s deepening economic crisis, has evolved into one of the most serious challenges to the Islamic Republic’s leadership in years. Spiraling inflation, a collapsing currency, and widespread unemployment have fueled public anger, transforming localized protests into a sustained national uprising.
Human rights organizations report a mounting death toll as authorities move aggressively to suppress the demonstrations. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported at least 2,003 deaths, predominantly among protesters, and more than 16,000 detentions. Other activist groups and media outlets, citing internal Iranian sources, have suggested the number of fatalities could be far higher, with some unverified estimates ranging into the several thousands or even exceeding 10,000.
Trump addressed the protesters directly in a post on his Truth Social account, urging them to continue their resistance. “Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price,” he wrote.
He added that he had canceled all meetings with Iranian officials until the violence ends, emphasizing, “HELP IS ON HIS WAY.”
The remarks follow earlier statements from the president signaling U.S. readiness to assist the protesters, wrote The Daily Caller. According to officials familiar with the matter, Trump has received briefings on potential covert and military responses to the unfolding crisis, though no formal decision has been announced.
Iran’s leadership has dismissed the demonstrations as foreign-manipulated. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused protesters of acting at the behest of Washington, warning U.S. leaders to end what he described as “deceitful actions” and to stop relying on “traitorous hirelings.” His remarks circulated widely on Iranian state-linked social media accounts.
Downtown Tehran, Tonight.
— Ali Hamedani (@alihamedanii) January 13, 2026
The regime has imposed sweeping internet restrictions and communications blackouts in an effort to choke off information about the protests and the government’s response. Iranian officials have repeatedly blamed the United States for fomenting unrest, while demonstrators continue to demand fundamental political and economic change.
Trump’s intervention has intensified international scrutiny of the crisis, with analysts noting possible ripple effects across the region, including volatility in global oil markets. Despite mass arrests and lethal force, protests have persisted, underscoring the depth of public anger and leaving the situation volatile and unresolved.
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