WASHINGTON — In a move that has significantly escalated global tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a direct call to the Iranian people to continue their uprising, promising that “help is on its way.” The statement, posted Tuesday on Truth Social, is being viewed by international observers as the clearest signal yet that the United States may authorize military strikes against the Iranian leadership.
“Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING — TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!!” Donald Trump wrote. “Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price. I have cancelled all meetings with Iranian Officials until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS. HELP IS ON ITS WAY.”
The President also introduced a new slogan for his administration’s policy toward Tehran: “MIGA”—an acronym for “Make Iran Great Again.”
Escalating Tensions and Red Lines
The President’s message comes amid a brutal crackdown by Iranian security forces on nationwide protests that began on December 28, 2025. While official figures are difficult to verify due to a near-total internet blackout in Iran, human rights monitors estimate that as many as 2,000 people have been killed. Some unconfirmed reports suggest the toll could be even higher.
The White House confirmed this week that Donald Trump is weighing several options, including targeted airstrikes on regime infrastructure and police headquarters. This hawkish stance follows a year of increased pressure, including the June 2025 strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and the recent U.S. capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, which analysts say may have emboldened the administration’s “regime change” rhetoric.
Diplomatic Fallout and Economic Pressure
In addition to the threat of force, Donald Trump has moved to isolate Tehran economically. On Monday, he announced a 25% tariff on any country doing business with Iran, a move designed to sever the regime’s remaining global financial lifelines.
In response to the protests and the U.S. threats:
- Tehran’s Stance: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that while Iran is ready for “fair negotiations,” it is also “prepared for war.”
- European Response: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the “excessive use of force” and announced that the EU would swiftly propose new sanctions against the regime.
- Regional Warning: Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, the speaker of Iran’s parliament, warned that U.S. military bases and ships in the region would become “legitimate targets” if Washington intervenes.
Internal Crisis in Iran
The protests, which initially began over a collapsing currency—with the rial hitting a record low of 1.48 million to the dollar—have transformed into a broad-based movement demanding the end of the 45-year clerical rule of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Despite the deployment of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the use of live ammunition, demonstrators have continued to take to the streets in major cities including Tehran, Mashhad, and Karaj.
As the situation remains volatile, the world waits to see if Donald Trump’s promise of “help” will manifest as direct military intervention or further tactical support for the opposition.
