"Keep Protesting": Trump Calls on Iranians to Take Over Institutions

United States President Donald Trump has suspended all diplomatic engagements with Iran, pointing to the Iranian authorities’ harsh response to nationwide protests. In a series of statements, Trump directly appealed to Iranian protesters, encouraging them to escalate their actions against the ruling establishment.

Trump’s Direct Call to Protesters

In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump addressed Iranian demonstrators with unusually direct language:
“Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price.”

In separate public remarks, Trump expanded on his message and referred to the reported death toll during the protests, noting uncertainty over the figures.

“You’re being very badly abused, if the numbers are right. I hear five different sets of numbers. One death is too much,” Trump said. He reiterated his support for the protesters.

“Iran Was Once a Great Country”

In separate remarks, Trump portrayed Iran as a nation that had declined under its current leadership. “And I say, make Iran great again. It was a great country until these monsters came in and took it over,” he said.

He also drew a comparison with the United States, arguing that his own election victory had prevented similar instability at home.
“If I didn’t win this election, it would have happened to us,” Trump claimed.

“Help Is on the Way”

Trump said he had cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials until what he called the “senseless killing of protesters” comes to an end. He added the message, “HELP IS ON ITS WAY,” without elaborating on its meaning.

When pressed by reporters on Tuesday to clarify what kind of assistance he was referring to, Trump declined to provide specifics.
“You’re going to have to figure that one out. I’m sorry,” he said.

The comment has added to uncertainty over Washington’s next steps toward Tehran.