Trump Signals U.S. Support for Iranian Protesters: "Occupy Government Institutions"

"All Meetings with Iran Canceled Until Killing of Protesters Stops"

President Donald Trump of the United States signaled support for Iran's anti-government protesters, urging them to take stronger actions such as occupying government institutions.

Donald Trump, President of the United States. Photo by EPA Yonhap News

On January 13 (local time), President Trump wrote on his self-created social media platform, Truth Social, "Patriots of Iran, do not stop protesting and occupy government institutions." He added, "Record the names of those who kill and abuse you," and emphasized, "They will pay a heavy price."

He also stated that he had canceled all meetings with Iranian officials until the Iranian government halts its indiscriminate killing of protesters, saying, "A helping hand is on its way."

The Trump administration has made diplomatic resolution its top priority regarding the situation in Iran, but has not ruled out the possibility of military intervention.

Previously, President Trump warned that if the Iranian government continued to suppress protesters, he would deliver a "powerful blow." The previous day, he announced an immediate 25% tariff on U.S. imports from countries that conduct business with Iran.