Trump Calls for Continued Protests in Iran and Imposes Heavy Tariffs on Trading Partners

In a recent post on his Truth Social platform, former US President Donald Trump has voiced his support for the ongoing protests in Iran, urging demonstrators to maintain their momentum against what he describes as a tyrannical regime. He encouraged the opposition to seize control of key institutions and emphasized the need to hold accountable those responsible for the violence against protesters. "Take note of the names of the murderers and the oppressors. They will pay a high price," Trump stated, adding that he had halted all meetings with Iranian representatives until the perceived unjust killings of demonstrators come to an end. Ending his message with a twist on his campaign slogan, Trump concluded with 'Make Iran Great Again' (MIGA). In addition to his call for protest solidarity, Trump has instituted a bold economic measure targeting Iran's trading partners, announcing a staggering 25% tariff on all business transactions between any country that continues to trade with Iran and the United States. "Effective immediately, any country that maintains trade relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a 25% tariff on each and every business transaction they conduct with the United States of America. This order is final and conclusive," he declared. This tariff announcement comes in response to the violent suppression of protests in Iran that have reportedly left nearly 600 individuals dead. Acknowledging the rising death toll from the protests, a source within the Iranian government disclosed to Reuters that around 2000 people, including security personnel, have died since the protests began. This marks a stark escalation in violence, and it is the first acknowledgment from Iranian authorities of such high fatality figures amidst the significant unrest. The unrest has drawn international attention, particularly with Trump threatening military action if Iran continues to deploy lethal force against protestors. He perceives that Iran is approaching a dangerous threshold where such actions could not be tolerated. Countries such as China, Brazil, Turkey, and Russia, known to have ongoing trade relations with Tehran, will now face the brunt of these tariffs. The immediate implications of these tariffs on the global economy and diplomatic relations with Iran remain to be seen. The Iranian Human Rights NGO (IHRNGO) has been actively reporting on the protests, claiming that to date, the number of deceased protesters has reached 648, with many more at risk of facing severe repercussions from authorities. They noted that nearly 10,000 people have been detained during the protests, some facing potential death penalties. This accumulating evidence of state-sponsored violence and repression has intensified the call for international support against the Iranian regime. As the unrest continues, Trump’s statements appear to rally supporters of democracy and freedom worldwide, while also establishing a clear stance on America’s position against regimes that employ violence against their own citizens. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2