Former US President Donald Trump has issued a direct message to protesters in Iran, declaring that "help is on its way" as the nation is rocked by widespread unrest and a severe government crackdown that has left thousands dead.
US Ramps Up Pressure as Crackdown Intensifies
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday, 13th January 2026, Trump urged "Iranian Patriots" to continue their demonstrations and "TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS." He announced the cancellation of all meetings with Iranian officials, who had previously indicated openness to dialogue, until the violence ends. Trump warned that those responsible for killings would "pay a big price."
His statement coincided with reports that the US is considering "some very strong options" regarding Iran. Trump has also imposed a 25 per cent tariff on Iran's trading partners, effective immediately, a move experts warn could disrupt global supply chains and increase regional instability, pending Supreme Court approval.
Human Cost and International Condemnation
Human rights groups report that at least 2,000 people have been killed and thousands more arrested since the protests began, initially triggered by a spiralling economic crisis. An impenetrable media blackout remains in force, but disturbing footage smuggled out appears to show hundreds of bodies in a Tehran morgue.
The Hengaw Organisation for Human Rights announced that Erfan Soltan, a 26-year-old from Fardis, will be executed on Wednesday, marking the first known death sentence for a protester. His family, described as "shocked" and "despairing," have been denied information about his charges.
Internationally, reactions are starkly divided. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated, "we are now witnessing the final days and weeks" of the Iranian government, arguing a regime reliant on violence is at its end. The European Union is discussing additional sanctions.
Conversely, Russia condemned US involvement, warning against "subversive external interference" and labelling the threat of US military strikes as "categorically unacceptable."
Regime Resilience and Exiled Opposition
Despite the scale of the protests, described by experts as one of the gravest threats the regime has faced, analysts caution that the government retains a monopoly on force. Negar Mortazavi of The Iran Podcast noted the regime has historically crushed major protests with an "iron fist."
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has sought to consolidate support, with state TV broadcasting pro-government rallies. He has accused protesters of being "saboteurs" working for foreign powers like the US and Israel.
Meanwhile, Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last monarch, is positioning himself as an interim leader for a potential democratic transition, claiming stewardship and preparing for a possible return.
The situation remains volatile, with internet cuts making verification difficult. However, videos shared via Starlink suggest protests continued in Tehran, Ahvaz, and Isfahan earlier this week, as the world watches a pivotal moment for Iran's future.
