US President Donald Trump has called on Iranian anti-government protesters to “keep protesting,” claiming that “help is on its way.” The nature of this assistance, and its timeline, remains unclear, leaving analysts and observers uncertain about Washington’s next steps.
Recent reports indicate that thousands may have died during Iran’s harsh response to weeks of nationwide protests. Families abroad are hearing firsthand accounts of widespread destruction and lethal force, highlighting the scale of the crisis. Iranian authorities, speaking to Reuters, suggest the death toll could be around 2,000, a figure that includes both civilians and security personnel.
Amid the crackdown, cases of rapid legal action have raised alarm. Protester Erfan Soltani is reportedly scheduled for execution tomorrow, with human rights groups noting that they “have never witnessed a case move so quickly.” Such incidents underscore fears of escalating repression across the country.
Communication with the outside world has been severely restricted due to an ongoing internet blackout. While some Iranians are managing to contact relatives abroad, verifying reports from inside Iran remains extremely difficult, complicating efforts by international media and organizations to assess the situation accurately.
Trump has recently suggested the possibility of direct US intervention, and his national security team is expected to convene to review options. How this could impact the protests, and whether any concrete support will reach demonstrators, remains uncertain. Meanwhile, the Iranian people continue to face extraordinary risks as the government seeks to suppress dissent.
