Trump Encourages Iranian Protests, Says U.S. Help Is Coming

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) London - U.S. President Donald Trump sharply escalated rhetoric and pressure against Iran on Tuesday, urging Iranians to“keep protesting” and warning that“help is on the way,” even as Tehran accused Washington and its allies of fomenting unrest and threatened to respond to any military action.

Trump's comments, delivered in a post on his Truth Social platform, marked a significant intensification of the standoff between Washington and Tehran at a moment when Iranian authorities say street protests have ebbed after days of unrest over economic hardship.

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“Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!!” 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 offered no details about what the promised“help” would entail. U.S. officials, however, said Trump was scheduled to be briefed later Tuesday on options that could include additional sanctions, cyber operations, expanded support for anti-government information campaigns and, potentially, military strikes.

Tariff Threat Targets Iran's Trade Partners

Trump's warning to Tehran was coupled with a sweeping new economic threat. In a separate statement, he announced that any country doing business with Iran would face a 25 percent tariff on all trade with the United States.

“Effective immediately, any country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a tariff of 25% on any and all business being done with the United States of America,” Trump said.“This order is final and conclusive.”

The White House did not specify how the measure would be enforced or which countries would be affected, but analysts said China, Iran's largest trading partner and a major buyer of its oil, would be the most obvious target. The announcement raised the prospect of renewed tension in U.S.-China trade relations, which only recently saw a partial easing after months of punitive tariffs.

Tehran Warns It Is 'Ready for All Options'

Iranian officials reacted angrily, accusing the United States and Israel of exploiting economic protests to push for regime change. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran was prepared to respond forcefully if Washington pursued military action.

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“We are prepared for all options,” Araghchi said in an interview with Al Jazeera Arabic on Monday, adding that Iran was“ready for war” if the United States chose to“test” it. He said Iran's military preparedness was now far greater than during a brief U.S.-Israeli confrontation last year.

Araghchi confirmed that indirect channels of communication with Washington remain open and said discussions with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff had continued before and after the protests. He said Iran remained willing to return to nuclear negotiations, but only“without threats or dictates”.

“We are ready to sit at the negotiating table,” Araghchi said.“But Washington's proposed ideas and threats against our country are incompatible.”

Iranian authorities say last week's protests over rising prices and unemployment were infiltrated by armed groups backed by foreign intelligence agencies. Security officials claim several cells were dismantled and foreign-linked operatives arrested after attacks on public property and clashes that left civilians and security personnel dead.

Millions of Iranians later took to the streets in rallies to show support for the Islamic Republic, while officials vowed to address economic grievances and confront what they called attempts at sedition.

Military Options Under Review

U.S. officials said Trump would meet senior advisers to discuss next steps in response to the crackdown on protesters. Options under consideration include expanding sanctions on Iranian leaders and institutions, cyber operations against military and civilian infrastructure, and limited military strikes.

Trump has said Iran had sought talks with Washington over its nuclear programme but suggested that negotiations might be overtaken by events on the ground.“We may have to act because of what is happening before the meeting,” he said over the weekend.

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