Trump Pledges U.S. Support to Iranian Protesters: "Seize State Institutions"... Military Intervention Looms (Comprehensive)

FT: "U.S. Strengthening Preparations for Strike Against Iran"

President Donald Trump of the United States pledged American support for Iran's anti-government protesters and urged them to take stronger action, such as seizing state institutions. This has led to interpretations that the United States may be strongly hinting at possible military intervention in the Iranian situation.

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

On January 13 (local time), President Trump posted on his own social network, Truth Social, saying, "Patriots of Iran, do not stop protesting and occupy state institutions." He continued, "Record the names of those who kill and abuse you," adding, "They will surely pay a heavy price."

President Trump also stated that he had canceled all meetings with Iranian officials until the Iranian government halts its indiscriminate killings of protesters, and said, "A helping hand is on the way."

The Trump administration has so far prioritized a diplomatic resolution to the Iranian situation, 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." Just the previous day, he announced that the United States would immediately impose a 25 percent tariff on exports from countries trading with Iran, further escalating the pressure.

In particular, following President Trump's remarks on this day demanding an end to the bloody crackdown on protesters and mentioning the possibility of U.S. support, there are growing observations that the policy stance is shifting from dialogue with Iran to putting greater emphasis on pressure against Iran. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing multiple sources, reported that while a U.S. attack is not imminent, President Trump has received briefings to review a range of options, including military action as well as cyber and economic measures.

The Financial Times (FT) reported that major Western countries believe the United States is strengthening its readiness for a possible military strike against Iran. Previously, when asked by reporters whether U.S. allies should withdraw from Iran, President Trump replied, "They should leave. That's a good idea."

White House spokesperson Caroline Levitt also stated that a meeting was held on this day, chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, to discuss the Iran issue.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that the Iranian government is responding harshly to protests over economic hardship, with the number of related deaths rising rapidly. According to the Associated Press, the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), based in the United States, estimated that about 2,000 people have died during the 17 days of protests. Of these, 1,847 were protesters, while 135 were government forces such as military and police personnel.