United States President Donald Trump has publicly expressed support for anti-government protesters in Iran, assuring them that international assistance is forthcoming and warning that those responsible for violence against demonstrators will be held accountable.
Trump made the remarks on Tuesday while announcing the suspension of all planned meetings with Iranian officials, citing what he described as a violent crackdown on protesters across the country. In a message posted on his Truth Social platform, the US president urged demonstrators to remain resolute and to document alleged abuses by security forces.
“Iranian patriots, keep protesting and take over your institutions. Save the names of the killers and abusers. They’ll pay a big price,” Trump wrote. “I have cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials until the senseless killing of protesters stops. Help is on its way.”
The statement comes amid weeks of widespread protests in Iran, triggered by economic hardship and political grievances, and reports from human rights groups alleging hundreds of deaths and thousands of arrests. Iranian authorities have not released official casualty figures and have repeatedly accused foreign powers of fueling the unrest.
Trump’s comments also follow his recent decision to impose a 25 per cent tariff on any country conducting business with Iran, a move that further tightens economic pressure on Tehran. While the US president has previously said he remains open to diplomacy, his latest remarks signal a harder stance as the situation inside Iran continues to deteriorate.
Iranian officials have yet to formally respond to Trump’s latest statement, but the development is expected to further strain already tense relations between Washington and Tehran.