Washington – Former US president Donald Trump has openly urged Iranian protesters to continue demonstrations against the state, even as authorities in Tehran move to press charges and tighten legal action against those involved in the ongoing unrest.
In a series of public statements and social media remarks, Trump addressed the Iranian public directly, encouraging demonstrators to remain steadfast and signalling that international support was forthcoming. His comments came as Iran’s judiciary and security institutions stepped up measures against protesters, filing cases and pursuing legal action as part of a wider effort to curb dissent.
The protests, which began over economic grievances and broader political frustrations, have since spread across multiple Iranian cities, evolving into one of the most sustained waves of unrest in recent years. Human rights organisations and activists have reported large numbers of arrests and casualties, while Iranian authorities maintain that they are enforcing the law to restore order and stability.
Trump’s remarks have drawn strong reactions from Tehran, with Iranian officials accusing Washington of interfering in internal affairs and inflaming tensions. Senior Iranian figures have described the US stance as provocative, warning that foreign encouragement of protests could further destabilise the situation and undermine prospects for calm.
At the same time, Trump has signalled a harder overall posture toward Iran, linking the domestic unrest to broader issues of governance, human rights and regional behaviour. His statements have added another layer of pressure as Tehran faces growing international scrutiny over its handling of the demonstrations and the legal cases being pursued against protesters.
Political analysts note that such high-profile public encouragement from Washington is likely to deepen already strained US-Iran relations. While supporters argue that the stance highlights concern for human rights and freedom of expression, critics caution that it could harden positions on both sides and reduce space for diplomatic engagement.
As Iran continues to press charges and protesters remain on the streets, the situation remains fluid, with potential implications not only for the country’s internal stability but also for broader regional and international dynamics.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.