Washington, Jan 13: President Trump said Tuesday he’s cancelled talks with Iranian officials amid a protest crackdown, telling Iranian citizens “help is on its way.”
Trump did not offer any details about what the help would entail, but it comes after the Republican president earlier this week said Iran wants to negotiate with Washington after his threat to strike the Islamic Republic that has killed more than 2,000, according to human right monitors.
But Trump with his latest message on social media appeared to make an abrupt shift about his willingness to engage with the Iranian government.
“Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!!” Trump wrote in a morning post on Truth Social.
“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.”
The president has repeatedly threatened Tehran with military action if his administration finds the Islamic Republic is using deadly force against anti-government protesters, but he has not said whether he has made a decision on a response
Iran allows overseas calls amid rising death toll
Iran eased some restrictions on Tuesday, allowing citizens to make phone calls abroad for the first time in days, though internet access and SMS services remained blocked.
Observers noted that while Iranians could call out, people outside the country could not reach them.
The easing comes amid a bloody crackdown on nationwide protests, which have so far left at least 646 people dead.
The authorities had severed all communications within Iran and to the outside world late Thursday, heightening concerns about transparency and human rights abuses.
The UN has condemned the violence and repression. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk called on Iranian authorities to halt attacks on peaceful demonstrators, criticizing efforts to label protesters as terrorists and warnings of expedited death-penalty proceedings.
Turk stressed that Iranians have the right to protest peacefully and that their grievances must be heard, not suppressed.
International responses have intensified. Finland summoned the Iranian ambassador over the internet shutdown, calling the move an attempt to “kill and oppress in silence,” while exploring measures with the EU to restore freedom for Iranians.
Finnish police also reported an incident at Iran’s embassy in Helsinki involving protesters.
Iranian authorities claimed security forces arrested Israel-linked terrorist groups in Zahedan carrying US-made weapons, though details were scarce and the Israeli military did not comment.
Global figures expressed solidarity with Iranian protesters. Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai praised the movement, highlighting long-standing restrictions on women and girls in Iran and calling for their leadership in shaping the country’s future.
Meanwhile, France reconfigured its embassy in Tehran after nonessential staff were evacuated earlier in the week, though the ambassador remained and operations continued.
The ongoing unrest, coupled with restricted communications and international concern, underscores the intensifying humanitarian and political crisis in Iran. (AP)
