In an article on Truth Social on January 13, US President Donald Trump said that he had canceled meetings with Iranian officials amid widespread protests in the country, and called on protesters to "take over" Iranian agencies.
Iranian patriots, continue to protest and take over your institutions" - Mr. Trump wrote, warning that any violent actions by the Tehran government against the people will "pay a very heavy price".
The US leader asked Tehran to stop suppressing protests by force, and expressed his determination to support the Iranian people: "Stop, help is on its way".
Mr. Trump also mentioned the slogan "MIGA" (Make Iran Great Again).
The number of deaths in the escalating wave of protests in Iran is said to be up to thousands. An Iranian official gave a figure of 2,000, while human rights organizations estimate the actual number could be much higher.
The unnamed Iranian official said that 2,000 people, including security forces, were killed in the protests, which are now entering their 3rd week. Iranian officials called the protesters "terrorists" and accused them of causing riots.
However, a Persian-language television channel based in London said in an editorial on January 13 that they believe up to 12,000 people have died. This channel also called this the largest murder in Iranian contemporary history, taking place in 2 nights on January 8-9.
On January 11, Mr. Trump once threatened military action against the Iranian government if the country continues to suppress protests in an extreme way, saying that Tehran is "beginning" to cross his red line.
The protests broke out from the end of December due to economic difficulties, but then developed into a widespread wave of outrage against the Islamic Republic.
Experts and former US officials said that in addition to military measures, President Trump can also provide important non-military support such as helping protesters access the Internet or taking cyber measures to disrupt the Iranian government's command and control system.
