Trump urges Iranians to ‘take over your institutions’ as he scraps talks with Tehran

United States President Donald Trump says he has cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials and is openly encouraging protesters to seize power, as Iran intensifies its crackdown on nationwide unrest.

In a social media post on Tuesday, Trump told Iranians that “help is on the way”, without explaining what that meant, while again floating the possibility of US military action.

“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 his Truth Social platform.

“I have cancelled all meetings with Iranian Officials until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS. HELP IS ON ITS WAY. MIGA!!! [MAGA]”

The remarks mark a sharp escalation in rhetoric as Trump piles pressure on Tehran through threats, sanctions and now overt calls for internal revolt. Over the past week, he has repeatedly suggested that a violent response by Iranian authorities could trigger US strikes.

On Monday, Trump announced that any country doing business with Iran would face a 25 percent tariff. On Tuesday, the State Department urged US citizens to “leave Iran now” amid rising tensions.

When asked by reporters what he meant by “help is on the way”, Trump refused to clarify.

“You’re going to have to figure that one out. I’m sorry,” he said.

In a later interview with CBS News, Trump warned that if Iran’s government executed protesters, the US would take “very strong actions”. He added that he had not yet received “accurate numbers” on the death toll.

Vaez added that a collapse at the top of Iran’s political system could plunge the country into prolonged chaos. “If he creates a total vacuum, then the country might descend into violent chaos and civil strife like we saw in Libya, Syria, Yemen or Iraq.”

The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency has said more than 2,400 people have been killed since protests erupted, while Iranian state media says more than 100 security personnel have died.

Al Jazeera has been unable to independently verify the figures. A near-total internet blackout in Iran has now lasted five days, sharply limiting the flow of information.

Iranian officials have accused Washington of actively fomenting unrest. Iran’s top military commander, Abdolrahim Mousavi, claimed that the US and Israel had deployed members of ISIL (ISIS) inside Iran to carry out attacks, without providing evidence.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has also said authorities possess recordings of voices from abroad allegedly directing “terrorist agents” to fire on police and protesters.