‘Help is on its way’: Donald Trump freezes Iran talks, calls on protesters to ‘take over institutions’

US President Donald Trump - File Photo

US President Donald Trump on Monday issued a fiery message backing anti-government protests in Iran, calling on demonstrators to continue mobilising and seize control of state institutions. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING - TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price.”

Trump said he had cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials “until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS,” adding, “HELP IS ON ITS WAY. MIGA!!!” The post signals a sharp escalation in rhetoric amid reports of a crackdown on protests inside Iran.

Trump's remarks come amid intensified and violent protests in Iran over rising prices and economic hardship, which have entered their third week, drawing a heavy response from security forces.

Iranian authorities have blamed the violence on what they call rioters and foreign-backed “vandals,” while opposition groups and human rights organisations accuse the state of using lethal force against demonstrators.

An Iranian official told Reuters that around 2,000 people have been killed during the unrest, including members of the security forces. This is the first time Iranian authorities have acknowledged such a high death toll. The official claimed that those described as “terrorists” were responsible for killing both protesters and security personnel, but offered no detailed breakdown.

The protests are the most serious challenge to Iran’s clerical leadership in at least three years and come amid increased international pressure following Israeli and US strikes last year.

While Iranian leaders say protests over economic conditions are legitimate, they have also imposed strict security measures. Internet shutdowns and communication restrictions have made it difficult to independently verify casualty figures.

Earlier on Monday night, Trump announced steep tariffs on anyone trading with Iran, sparking expectations the threat will restrict supplies of crude.

Trump said in a social media post on Monday that the new levies would "immediately" hit the Islamic republic's trading partners who also do business with the United States.