US President Donald Trump has officially cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials, urging protesters inside Iran to “take over your institutions” as Tehran continues a violent crackdown on demonstrations. The announcement comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, raising fears of a potential military confrontation.
Trump Signals “Help Is on the Way” for Iranian Protesters
On Tuesday, Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social:
“Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price. HELP IS ON ITS WAY. MIGA!!! [MAGA]”
When asked by reporters for details about the “help” he promised, Trump declined to elaborate, saying, “You’re going to have to figure that one out. I’m sorry.”
In a separate CBS News interview, Trump also warned that the US could take “very strong actions” if the Iranian government executed protesters, though he admitted he had not yet received accurate casualty figures.
US Imposes Sanctions and Threatens Tariffs
In addition to calls for protest action, Trump announced punitive economic measures against countries doing business with Iran. On Monday, he declared a 25 percent tariff on any nation trading with Iran.
Meanwhile, the US State Department issued a travel alert, urging American citizens to leave Iran immediately amid growing unrest and the threat of violence.
Rising Death Toll Amid Crackdown
Iran has experienced its largest protest movement in years, with reports of widespread violence. The Human Rights Activists News Agency estimates over 2,400 civilian deaths, while Iranian state media reports more than 100 security personnel killed. Al Jazeera cannot independently verify these figures due to internet blackouts that have restricted information flow for five days.
Iranian officials have repeatedly accused the US of fomenting unrest. Abdolrahim Mousavi, Iran’s top military commander, claimed US and Israeli forces deployed ISIL (ISIS) members to carry out attacks, though no evidence was provided.
Analysts Warn Against US Military Action
Experts caution that any foreign military intervention in Iran could have catastrophic consequences. Ali Vaez, director of the Iran Project at the International Crisis Group, said:
“The Iranian people are caught between a repressive regime and foreign aggression. If the president decides to do political decapitation in Iran, what comes after? There’s no organized, viable opposition inside Iran that can take over immediately.”
Vaez warned that removing Iran’s leadership could lead to violent chaos and civil strife, comparable to past conflicts in Libya, Syria, Yemen, or Iraq.
International Responses
Global leaders are actively seeking de-escalation:
- Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani spoke with Iran’s Ali Larijani, emphasizing support for peaceful solutions and dialogue.
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held discussions with French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot, signaling ongoing diplomatic engagement.
Iranian authorities continue to hold the US and Israel responsible for the unrest, with Ali Larijani stating that Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are “the main killers of the people of Iran.”
The Stakes
The situation highlights the fragility of US-Iran relations and the risks of military escalation, economic sanctions, and political interference. Analysts stress that foreign intervention in Iran could strengthen hardline factions, potentially intensifying repression rather than enabling democratic change.
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