U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday directly called on Iranian protesters to seize control of state institutions, promising that "help is on its way" as Tehran’s clerical leadership intensifies its deadly crackdown on nationwide unrest.
On January 13, 2026, President Trump posted on Truth Social calling for Iranian protesters to "take over" institutions and stating "help is on its way."
In a bold escalation of rhetoric posted to Truth Social, Trump urged "Iranian Patriots" to continue their demonstrations and warned Iranian officials that they would "pay a big price" for the killing of protesters. He also announced the cancellation of all planned meetings with Iranian officials until the violence ceases.
"KEEP PROTESTING — TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!!... HELP IS ON ITS WAY," Trump wrote, though he did not specify whether this "help" would involve military action, cyber operations, or further economic sanctions.
The unrest, sparked by an economic collapse and the sharp devaluation of the Iranian rial, has evolved into the most significant challenge to the Islamic Republic in decades. On Tuesday, an Iranian official—speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity—acknowledged that approximately 2,000 people had been killed so far. The official blamed "terrorists" for the deaths of both civilians and security forces.
However, human rights groups and external monitors warn the actual toll may be significantly higher. Some reports suggest that over two nights on January 8 and 9 alone, the number of fatalities could have surged into the thousands amid a nationwide internet blackout.
The President’s message follows his Monday announcement of a 25% import tariff on any country doing business with Iran. This sweeping move aims to further isolate Tehran, which relies heavily on oil exports to partners like China, India, and Turkey.
While the White House has stated that diplomacy remains a preferred option, Trump has repeatedly noted that the U.S. military is "locked and loaded." In early January, he warned that any lethal force used against peaceful demonstrators would trigger a severe U.S. response.
Tehran has accused the U.S. and Israel of orchestrating the unrest to destabilize the country. Meanwhile, European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, have signaled that the regime may be entering its "final days," as more EU nations summon Iranian ambassadors to protest the violence.
