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US President Donald Trump on Tuesday called on Iranian anti-government demonstrators to continue protests across the country, saying that “help is on its way,” as Iran partially eased its communications blackout amid ongoing unrest.
“Iranian Patriots, keep protesting – take over your institutions!!! Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
He added that he had canceled all meetings with Iranian officials “until the senseless killing of protesters stops,” ending the post with the slogan “MIGA,” a play on his “Make America Great Again” motto.
Trump did not specify what consequences Iranian officials would face but said Monday that the US would impose a 25% tariff on “any and all” countries doing business with Iran.
The White House had said earlier that Trump “has an interest” in exploring diplomacy with Tehran, though his latest remarks signaled that such outreach has been halted.
The Iranian government restored international calling services on Tuesday after several days of nationwide protests, according to an Anadolu Agency reporter.
Mobile users in Iran were again able to place calls abroad, though local and international internet access remained blocked.
Both international calls and internet services had been shut down on Thursday evening by the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology on orders from Iran’s top security body.
Officials said the restrictions were imposed amid protests over worsening economic conditions and the sharp depreciation of the national currency, the rial.
Iranian authorities have accused the United States and Israel of backing what they describe as “riots” and “terrorism.”
There are no official casualty figures. However, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) estimates that at least 646 people, including security forces and protesters, have been killed, with more than 1,000 injured.
HRANA also reported that at least 10,721 people have been detained during protests held in 585 locations nationwide, including 186 cities across all 31 provinces.
Despite the restoration of international calling services, Iran’s cyberspace authority said the internet blockade would remain in place until officials determine that full security has been restored.
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