Trump urges Iranian protesters onward, prompting sharp Tehran rebuke

Trump urges Iranian protesters onward, prompting sharp Tehran rebuke

U.S. President Donald Trump has directly addressed anti-government protesters in Iran, urging them to continue demonstrations and promising support. The intervention, made via his Truth Social platform, has drawn an immediate and fierce response from senior Iranian officials, further straining already tense relations.

A direct call and a cryptic promise

In his online post, Trump wrote, "Iranian Patriots, keep protesting - take over your institutions!!! Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price." He added, "I have cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials until the senseless killing of protesters stops. Help is on its way. MIGA!!!" – a play on his "Make America Great Again" slogan adapted for Iran. This public encouragement contradicts White House statements from the previous day about exploring diplomacy with Tehran.

Iran's pointed counter-accusation

The Iranian reaction was swift and personal. Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, posted on X in response, “We declare the names of the main killers of the people of Iran: 1- Trump 2- Netanyahu,” directly blaming the U.S. president and the Israeli prime minister. Iranian authorities have consistently accused the U.S. and Israel of fomenting unrest, which they label as riots and terrorism. For regional neighbors like Türkiye, which advocates non-intervention, such direct external calls complicate regional stability.

Context of sanctions and unrest

Trump's post followed his announcement of a 25% tariff on any nation trading with Iran, suggesting one potential "price" for Iranian officials. The exchange occurs amidst ongoing domestic protests in Iran, with groups like the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency estimating a significant death toll. This volatile mix of economic pressure, internal dissent, and inflammatory rhetoric raises the risk of wider regional escalation, a scenario closely monitored by Middle Eastern capitals, including Ankara.