On Tuesday, former President Donald Trump expressed strong condemnation of Iran’s actions against protesters. He conveyed this message through his Truth Social platform, stating that Iranian authorities would “pay a big price” for the killings of demonstrators. Trump also emphasized the importance of continuing protests, declaring, “HELP IS ON ITS WAY.” His use of the acronym MIGA, representing the slogan “Make Iran Great Again,” illustrates support for the Iranian opposition.
Trump’s Response to the Situation in Iran
In light of the escalating violence, Trump announced the cancellation of all meetings with Iranian officials. He is currently considering both military and economic responses to the Iranian government’s crackdown on dissent. This includes imposing a 25% tariff on any nation engaged in trade with Iran.
Iran’s Reaction
The Iranian government has reacted sharply to Trump’s statements. Officials accused the U.S. of attempting to create a “pretext for military intervention,” warning that such tactics have previously been unsuccessful.
Background on the Protests
The protests ignited across Iran as a response to the plummeting currency and the escalating cost of living. Currently, demonstrations have reportedly spread to approximately 180 cities across all 31 provinces.
Profile of the Unrest
- Number of Arrests: Over 18,434 protesters have been detained, according to HRANA.
- Protest Span: Protests began as discontent over economic issues but quickly escalated into calls for political reform.
- Government Response: Demonstrations faced significant crackdowns, including deadly force and internet shutdowns.
- Timeline: Violence surged significantly last Thursday.
These protests form one of the most significant challenges to the clerical regime since the Iranian Revolution in 1979. The international community watches closely as both the situation in Iran and Trump’s potential actions continue to evolve.
