US President Trump Pledges Support to Iranian Protesters Amid Escalating Unrest
In the face of mounting anti-government protests in Iran, US President Donald Trump has pledged his support to the Iranian people, stating help is on its way,
but has remained cryptic about the nature of this assistance. The US President also warned of very strong action
against Iran if the regime begins executing protesters.
Mounting Tensions in Iran
The protests, sparked by a currency crisis in late December, have escalated in the face of an intense crackdown by Iranian security forces, resulting in hundreds of casualties according to human rights monitors. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reports that deaths linked to the recent unrest have reached over 2,000. As the situation intensifies, Iranians were able to reconnect with the outside world after four days of a communications blackout.
Trump's Message to Protesters
Help is on its way,
Trump told the Iranian citizens, urging them to keep protesting and seize control of state institutions. Yet, he did not provide details on what this assistance would entail. This statement follows his earlier threat to strike the Islamic Republic, which has heightened concerns of military intervention. Trump further warned Iranian authorities of severe consequences if they continue the crackdown on protesters.
The US President's messages have been interpreted in various ways. Senator Lindsey Graham suggested that Trump's pledge of help
to Iran’s demonstrators should include military, cyber and psychological attacks
against the regime. Meanwhile, Al Jazeera English questioned Trump's bid for a peacemaker legacy, comparing it with the military strikes launched during his second term.
Reactions and Implications
In response to Trump's warnings, Tehran has cautioned the US and Israel against any intervention, stating that they would become targets if the US launched strikes over the protests. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that his country is ready for war but also for dialogue.
On the international front, major Arab Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar are reportedly lobbying the Trump administration not to launch a military strike on Iran, warning that it could trigger severe regional instability and disrupt the global oil market.
Ongoing Unrest and Uncertainties
As protests continue to spread across Iran and the death toll rises, the situation remains fraught with uncertainty. The US President's messages have stirred speculation but also raised hopes among some protesters. The international community watches closely as tensions escalate, waiting to see how the US and other global powers will respond to the ongoing crisis in Iran.