Donald Trump on Tuesday addressed what he called “Iranian patriots,” urging them to continue protests, take control of state institutions. He said they should document those responsible for the killings and crackdown, warning that they would “pay a heavy price”.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said he had cancelled all meetings with officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran until what he described as the “senseless killing” of protesters comes to an end.
“Keep protesting – Take over your institutions,” Trump wrote, calling on demonstrators to record the names of those involved in the crackdown. He added that “help is on its way” and repeated his call to “make Iran great again”.
Trump’s remarks come amid escalating nationwide protests in Iran and growing international scrutiny of the authorities’ response, which has included mass arrests, the use of live ammunition and a sweeping internet shutdown.
