Illustrative image used for representational purposes only. It does not depict real events or individuals at the exact moment described.
Washington — January 13, 2026: US President Donald Trump has issued a strong public message to Iranians amid continuing nationwide protests, urging demonstrators to persist while asserting that international pressure and assistance would follow. The statement comes against the backdrop of escalating unrest, reports of heavy casualties, and sweeping restrictions imposed by Iranian authorities to contain dissent.
Speaking to reporters and through social media posts, Trump said he had communicated with Iranian leaders in recent days, calling on them to negotiate even as he warned of serious consequences if the regime resorted to mass violence. He indicated that Washington was actively reviewing multiple options, reiterating that intervention would be considered if civilians were killed in large numbers, as had allegedly occurred in the past.
In a post shared on Truth Social, Trump directly addressed protesters, urging them to continue demonstrations and take control of their institutions. He called on Iranians to document the identities of those responsible for violence against civilians, stating that accountability would eventually follow. Trump also announced the cancellation of meetings with Iranian officials until what he described as the “senseless killing” of protesters comes to an end.
The developments coincide with mounting reports of fatalities linked to the unrest. According to international media citing Reuters and regional officials, around 2,000 people have reportedly been killed in protests across the country, a figure described as the highest confirmed toll so far. Iranian authorities have attributed the deaths to “terrorists,” a claim contested by rights groups and international observers.
As protests spread, Iran has imposed a near-total shutdown of internet access nationwide. The country’s cyberspace authority said the restrictions were necessary to counter what it termed “cognitive warfare” waged by foreign adversaries. Officials confirmed that access to the global internet would remain limited until security conditions were deemed fully restored, with essential services routed through the domestic National Information Network.
Internet watchdog NetBlocks reported that more than 100 hours had passed since the nationwide blackout began, leaving Iranians largely isolated from the outside world and hindering the flow of independent information. The United Nations human rights chief expressed grave concern over the situation, condemning the killing of peaceful demonstrators and the labelling of protesters as terrorists to justify violent crackdowns.
Meanwhile, Trump announced a fresh economic measure, declaring that any country doing business with Iran would face a 25 per cent tariff on trade with the United States. He described the order as final, signalling an intent to intensify economic pressure alongside diplomatic messaging.
The unrest in Iran continues to draw divided international reactions, with some governments accusing external forces of instigating the protests, while others have sharply criticised Tehran’s response to demonstrators. As tensions rise, the situation remains fluid, with diplomacy, sanctions and the threat of force all hovering over a crisis that shows no immediate signs of resolution.
