Trump’s Message To Iranians As War Fears Rise

Washington: US President Donald Trump called on anti-government protesters to step up their actions against the ruling establishment. In a post of just over 40 words on Truth Social, he called on Iranians to “CONTINUE TO PROTEST – TAKE YOUR INSTITUTIONS” and warned that those responsible for killing demonstrators would “pay a huge price.” He also announced that he was canceling all meetings with Iranian officials until the deadly crackdown on protesters ends, adding in capital letters: “HELP IS ON THE WAY. MIGA!!!”

“Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING – STATE YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! Hide the names of the murderers and abusers. They will pay a high price. I have canceled all meetings with Iranian officials until the senseless killing of protesters STOP. HELP IS ON THE WAY. MIGA!!!” The text was read.

This carries many signals for both the Iranian government and the agitators. Trump canceled all diplomatic meetings and stated that US diplomacy with Tehran was now paused, despite reports that Iranian officials had previously requested meetings. It also encouraged protesters to seize state institutions; it was a move that could trigger a violent crackdown by security forces in Iran.

Ending his term with “MIGA” (Make Iran Great Again), the US president appeared to signal an alliance with his hawkish allies while expanding on the rhetoric of the previous “America First” MAGA movement.

‘We’re Releasing Holy Hell’

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Trump, explained in his own words the vision behind the president’s warning. He said the president’s warning was about pushing Iran’s system towards collapse. He claimed that US military intervention, as well as protests in the streets, would deal a “fatal blow” to those in power. He suggested that Trump wanted to target Iran’s leadership and military infrastructure.

“The turning point of this long journey will be President Trump’s determination. No more stepping on the ground, just as he promised, to unleash holy hell on the regime that has trampled every red line,” Graham wrote on social media.

He added that the combination of military, cyber and psychological attacks forms the core of the “help is on the way” message.

While he presents his comments as a concern for human rights in Iran, his past statements have supported major Israeli offensives in Gaza. In 2023, he said, “We are in a religious war here. I am on Israel’s side. Do whatever it takes to defend yourself. Level this place.”

Former Iranian Minister Rejects US Threats

Sayyed Atollah Mohajerani, Iran’s former culture minister from 1997 to 2000, downplayed the threat posed by the United States. He told Al Jazeera that America had issued similar warnings throughout Iran’s history but had failed to overthrow the government.

He claimed the regime was intact despite repeated calls for change from the West, including last year’s 12-Day War with Israel.

He also rejected claims that Iranian officials were solely responsible for violence against protesters. More than a week later, the unrest turned into violence, he said, and blamed it on armed groups within Iran.

He compared the US focus on Iran to domestic issues and cited the killing of Renee Nicole Good by a US ICE officer as an example of America’s human rights failures.

UN human rights chief Volker Turk said he was appalled by reports that hundreds of protesters had been killed in Iran.

Regional Reactions

Qatar also weighed in on the situation. Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met with Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, and expressed his support for “all efforts aimed at reducing tensions and peaceful solutions” in the region.

Qatar’s foreign ministry issued a statement in Arabic, adding that the two leaders discussed regional developments, although it did not directly refer to the ongoing protests.