On January 13, 2026, President Donald J. Trump posted a message addressing the ongoing anti-government protests in Iran. The post read: “Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! 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. MIGA!!! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP.”
Trump’s statement encourages protesters to continue their demonstrations and to seize control of key institutions while documenting those responsible for violence against them. He announced the suspension of any scheduled diplomatic engagements with Iranian officials until the reported killings cease, and he assured that assistance is forthcoming, though no specific details were provided. The post concluded with “MIGA!!!”—a variation on his campaign slogan “Make Iran Great Again”—and his signature as president.
The message comes during a period of intense nationwide unrest in Iran that began around late December 2025, initially sparked by economic grievances such as rampant inflation and currency devaluation. Demonstrations have since expanded across all 31 provinces, involving hundreds of cities and towns, with calls evolving to demand an end to the clerical rule under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This marks the most significant challenge to the Islamic Republic since the 2022-2023 “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini in morality police custody.
Iranian authorities have responded with a severe crackdown, including the use of deadly force by security personnel and the Basij militia, as well as nationwide internet blackouts to limit the spread of information and images from the protests. Rights groups, including the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), have reported death tolls exceeding 1,800 to 2,000 protesters since the demonstrations intensified, with additional figures from Iranian officials and other sources acknowledging high casualties, including among security forces. Thousands more have been arrested, and communications restrictions have hindered independent verification.
Trump’s announcement to cancel meetings follows earlier indications of potential U.S. diplomatic contact with Tehran amid the crisis. Reports from prior days noted that Iranian officials had sought negotiations, and the White House had described diplomacy as a preferred option while leaving military responses on the table if the crackdown continued. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that President Trump was considering various measures, emphasizing that he is “unafraid to use military options if and when he deems necessary” but does not want to see people killed in the streets.
The timing of Trump’s post aligns with mounting international attention to the protests’ severity and regime instability. On the same day, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, speaking during a visit to India, predicted that the Iranian regime is in its “final days and weeks,” stating that a government maintaining power solely through violence is effectively at its end, with the population rising against it.
Trump has previously warned of strong U.S. action if protesters faced lethal force, including statements indicating readiness to intervene. His latest remarks represent an escalation in rhetoric, shifting from potential talks to a public pause in diplomacy and direct encouragement of the protesters. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing reports of localized demonstrations despite reduced visibility due to communications restrictions, and the U.S. national security team continuing to assess response options.
