Iran protests: Trump says ‘HELP IS ON ITS WAY’ as death toll hits 2,000
The death toll from major anti-government protests in Iran has risen to at least 2,000 as of Tuesday, according to data published by the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). The unrest has spanned over 16 days, with over 10,721 people arrested in protests recorded in 606 locations in 187 cities across all 31 Iranian provinces. Among the casualties are at least nine children, according to HRANA.
U.S. President Donald Trump has shown support for the protesters, urging them to continue their demonstrations and take control of their institutions. He has also canceled all meetings with Iranian officials until the senseless killing of protesters stops, promising that help is on its way. Trump has even imposed a 25% tariff on any country doing business with Iran and is considering further sanctions or military intervention.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning expressed China’s opposition to a tariff war and interference in other countries’ internal affairs. Meanwhile, Trump’s national security team is expected to meet to discuss intervention options in Iran.
The ongoing protests began in late December over economic grievances but have since evolved into more overtly anti-government demonstrations. The Iranian government, led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has cracked down on the protesters, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of arrests. The government has framed the unrest as the work of “rioters” and “terrorists” supported by foreign powers.
The United Nations’ High Commissioner for Human Rights has condemned the violence against protesters and called on Iranian authorities to cease repression and restore access to communication channels. Meanwhile, dissident figures abroad, including Iran’s exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, have called for the overthrow of the government.
As the situation in Iran continues to escalate, the international community is closely monitoring developments and considering potential actions to address the crisis. The plight of the Iranian people and the ongoing protests highlight the need for a peaceful resolution and respect for human rights.
