“Help is on the way”: President Trump encourages Iranian protestors

By Easton Martin | January 13, 2026

President Trump delivered a direct message Tuesday to Iranian protesters, urging them to continue demonstrating against their government and promising that “help is on the way.” 

Posting on Truth Social, Trump addressed what he called “Iranian patriots,” telling them to keep protesting and warning regime officials involved in the violent crackdown that they will “pay a big price.”

In the same statement, the president said he had canceled all planned meetings with Iranian officials until the killing of protesters stops. While President Trump did not specify what form of assistance the United States might provide, his comments enforce the growing pressure on Tehran as unrest spreads across the country.

The protests began over economic conditions but have since evolved into broader opposition to Iran’s ruling clerics. Demonstrators are demanding political reform and greater personal freedoms. 

Human rights organizations and Iranian officials report that thousands have been killed as security forces move to suppress the demonstrations.

Iranian leaders have blamed foreign interference for the unrest, accusing Western nations of fueling the protests.