President Donald Trump urged Iranians on Tuesday to continue protesting against their government, warning of consequences for those responsible for violence against demonstrators. The statement, posted on Truth Social, coincided with reports that Iranians were briefly able to make international calls despite ongoing internet disruptions.
Trump's message read, "Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price. I have cancelled all meetings with Iranian Officials until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS. HELP IS ON ITS WAY. MIGA!!!"
The former president also stated that he had canceled meetings with Iranian officials in response to the government's crackdown on protests. He has previously suggested potential military intervention if Iranian authorities use lethal force against protesters.
The protests in Iran have been ongoing for several weeks, sparked by public anger over economic conditions, government policies, and social restrictions. The Iranian government has responded with measures including internet blackouts and reported suppression of demonstrations. The internet shutdowns have significantly hampered the flow of information from inside the country, making it difficult to independently verify the extent and severity of the government's response.
Several Iranians living abroad reported receiving calls from family members inside Iran, indicating a temporary restoration of landline communication. These individuals told The New York Times that their relatives described chaotic and tense conditions within the country.
The U.S. government's policy toward Iran has varied across administrations. The Trump administration withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and reimposed sanctions on Iran. The Biden administration has attempted to revive the JCPOA, but negotiations have stalled.
The current status of negotiations between the U.S. and Iran remains uncertain. The U.S. State Department has not yet released an official statement regarding Trump's recent remarks. The Iranian government has not yet responded to Trump's comments.
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