Trump Encourages Iranian Protesters as Human Rights Group Reports Thousands Killed

President Donald Trump urges Iranians to keep protesting as human rights organizations report approximately 2,500 deaths amid a violent crackdown.

President Donald Trump has urged people in Iran to keep protesting, saying “help is on its way,” amid a violent crackdown on anti-government demonstrations. A U.S.-based human rights organization says about 2,500 people have died in the protests so far.

In recent days, Trump has increased pressure on Iranians, warning that the United States might carry out military strikes while also leaving room for negotiations. He also introduced a new 25% tariff on anyone doing business with Iran, the country’s theocratic government that has been in power for almost 50 years.

“KEEP PROTESTING, TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! Save the names of the killers and abusers.” Donald Trump

Iranians, on its part, has said it is willing to discuss diplomacy but has also warned the U.S. and Israel that it would retaliate if attacked. Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to lead a National Security Council meeting on Iran later Tuesday, according to sources.

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Inside Iran, the government has cut internet access and blocked foreign phone calls, making it hard to get information about the protests. The demonstrations began over rising prices but quickly turned into a wider movement against the government. Hundreds of people have reportedly been killed in recent days, and videos show bodies outside morgues in Tehran with grieving relatives around them.

Some people abroad have still managed to get calls from inside there, though the internet is mostly down and international calls are often blocked. Those who spoke to news agencies reported a heavy security presence in Tehran. Riot police, plainclothes officers, and the volunteer Basij forces of the Revolutionary Guard were stationed at main streets, armed with shields, batons, tear gas launchers, and shotguns. Banks and government offices had been damaged, while shops were open but streets were mostly empty.

Despite the government’s claims that order has been restored, the country is facing growing international pressure. Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s former shah, has encouraged protesters to keep marching. Pahlavi is seen by some as a potential future leader, though many inside Iran are cautious about his family’s past. Recently, the White House envoy Steve Witkoff reportedly met with Pahlavi to discuss the situation, though this report is not independently confirmed.

The protests started because of economic problems, including the falling value of it’s currency and high inflation. U.S. and international sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program have worsened the economy. These protests are now seen as one of the biggest challenges the Iranian government has faced in nearly five decades. Human rights groups say the violence this year is worse than in previous protests in 2022 and 2023.

“The increase in violence reflects how threatened the government feels.” Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, Iran Human Rights

Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, head of Iran Human Rights, said in an interview that the increase in violence reflects how threatened the government feels. According to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, about 2,500 people have been killed and over 16,780 arrested so far. These figures are collected from supporters inside Iran. The government has not released any official numbers.

Some videos that were blocked earlier are now circulating on social media. One video from Tehran shows a man lying on the street, bleeding heavily, while bystanders argue over what kind of weapon shot him. Another video from Urmia shows crowds attacking security forces, while the officers fight back with batons. Protesters are calling for the fall of the government. In a video from Arak, people chant against Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The Iranian authorities have tried to downplay the protests. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the situation is now “under total control” and claimed the internet was shut down because foreign groups were giving orders to protesters. Khamenei also highlighted large pro-government demonstrations as proof of the people’s support and a warning to the U.S. not to interfere. He described these rallies as a signal to American politicians to stop trying to influence Iran.

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