US President Donald Trump has abandoned plans to meet with Iranian officials amid the country's crackdown on protesters. In a statement posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump urged protesters to "take over your institutions" and told them that "help is on its way." However, he offered no further details.
Trump had previously threatened Iran with military strikes, stating that any country doing business with Iran would face a 25% tariff. He also announced on Monday that the US was issuing an alert warning citizens to leave Iran due to rising tensions.
When questioned by reporters about his statement regarding "help being on its way," Trump declined to provide specifics. In a subsequent interview with CBS News, he reiterated that if Iranian authorities executed protesters, the US would take "very strong actions."
Analysts warn that any potential US strikes could have unforeseen consequences in Iran, particularly given the country's current protest movement, which is the largest in years.
The situation has raised concerns about the potential for chaos and civil unrest. Ali Vaez, director of the Iran Project at the International Crisis Group, stated that if Trump creates a "total vacuum" within Iran's leadership, it could lead to violent chaos and a breakdown in stability, similar to what was seen in countries such as Libya and Syria.
The death toll from the protests has continued to rise, with human rights groups estimating hundreds of deaths. Iranian authorities have accused the US of fomenting unrest, while the country's top military commander, Abdolrahim Mousavi, claimed that the US and Israel were behind the attacks.
As tensions continue to escalate, countries such as France and Qatar are seeking to calm the situation through diplomatic efforts. The Qatari Prime Minister spoke with his Iranian counterpart on Tuesday, reiterating support for all efforts aimed at de-escalation and peaceful solutions.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also met with his French counterpart, Jean-Noel Barrot, in a bid to ease tensions. However, the situation remains volatile, with both sides dug in and refusing to back down.
Trump had previously threatened Iran with military strikes, stating that any country doing business with Iran would face a 25% tariff. He also announced on Monday that the US was issuing an alert warning citizens to leave Iran due to rising tensions.
When questioned by reporters about his statement regarding "help being on its way," Trump declined to provide specifics. In a subsequent interview with CBS News, he reiterated that if Iranian authorities executed protesters, the US would take "very strong actions."
Analysts warn that any potential US strikes could have unforeseen consequences in Iran, particularly given the country's current protest movement, which is the largest in years.
The situation has raised concerns about the potential for chaos and civil unrest. Ali Vaez, director of the Iran Project at the International Crisis Group, stated that if Trump creates a "total vacuum" within Iran's leadership, it could lead to violent chaos and a breakdown in stability, similar to what was seen in countries such as Libya and Syria.
The death toll from the protests has continued to rise, with human rights groups estimating hundreds of deaths. Iranian authorities have accused the US of fomenting unrest, while the country's top military commander, Abdolrahim Mousavi, claimed that the US and Israel were behind the attacks.
As tensions continue to escalate, countries such as France and Qatar are seeking to calm the situation through diplomatic efforts. The Qatari Prime Minister spoke with his Iranian counterpart on Tuesday, reiterating support for all efforts aimed at de-escalation and peaceful solutions.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also met with his French counterpart, Jean-Noel Barrot, in a bid to ease tensions. However, the situation remains volatile, with both sides dug in and refusing to back down.