US President Donald Trump has openly declared support for Iranian protesters, saying Washington is “ready to help” as demonstrations spread across Iran and the death toll crosses 100.
Trump signals possible US intervention
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!” His remarks mark the strongest US backing for the protest movement and raise the possibility of direct pressure or even action against Tehran.
Protests turn into biggest challenge since 1979
The unrest now in its third week, has expanded to all 31 provinces. What began as protests over inflation and currency collapse has turned into a nationwide challenge to Iran’s theocratic system.
Activist groups say at least 116 people have been killed and more than 2,600 detained. Videos from Tehran, Mashhad, Tabriz, Isfahan and Kermanshah show crowds chanting “death to the dictator” and attacking symbols of state authority.
Internet blackout and regime crackdown
Iranian authorities have imposed a near-total communications blackout in an effort to contain the protests. Despite this, footage continues to emerge, reportedly via satellite connections.
The regime has labelled protesters “rioters” and “terrorists” and warned they could face charges of moharebeh “enmity against God” which carries the death penalty.
Trump draws red line on killing protesters
Trump has gone further than before by warning Tehran that if it starts killing protesters, the US will respond “very hard”.
He said this would not necessarily mean boots on the ground, but could involve heavy strikes against regime targets. The comments have increased pressure on Iran’s leadership at a moment of visible internal strain.
Global reactions and strategic calculations
Britain, France and Germany have urged restraint, while exiled opposition figure Reza Pahlavi has called for even larger protests. Analysts warn US military involvement could either energize the movement or scare parts of society away from the streets.
Some fear foreign intervention could allow the regime to reframe the protests as an external conspiracy.
Regime closes ranks as crisis deepens
Iran’s military and Revolutionary Guards have publicly pledged loyalty to the leadership, accusing the US and Israel of fueling unrest.
Yet the scale, spread and persistence of the protests suggest the leadership is facing its most serious legitimacy crisis in decades.
Trump’s message has now placed Iran’s uprising squarely into the center of global geopolitics. Whether his words become pressure, action, or leverage will shape not only the fate of the protests but the future balance of power in the region.
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