Key Facts
• On January 13, 2026, former U.S. President Donald Trump urged Iranians on social media to continue protests and seize government institutions.
• Trump stated “support is on the way,” implying possible intervention without specifying details.
• He called for recording names of “murderers and abusers,” warning they will pay a heavy price.
• Trump suspended all talks with Iranian officials until killings of protesters stop.
• In a CBS interview in Detroit, Trump included economic aid in “support” but declined to specify actions.
• On January 13, the U.S. National Security Council met with Vice President Pence and Secretary of State Rubio to discuss Iran.
• Military options discussed include air strikes, missile attacks, cyber operations, and psychological warfare.
• Iran’s nationwide protests have reportedly caused approximately 3,000 deaths, including security forces, per Iranian health officials.
• The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists (HRA) group reports over 2,400 protester deaths.
• Internet shutdowns in Iran hinder full casualty verification; protests may be the largest in recent years.
• U.S. Middle East envoy Whitaker met with Reza Pahlavi, exiled son of the deposed Shah, to discuss protest unity.
• Pahlavi has repeatedly called for protester unity via social media; some demonstrators seek his restoration, though his leadership capacity is uncertain.
Summary
Iran is experiencing escalating anti-government protests with a rapidly rising death toll, estimated at around 3,000 by official sources and over 2,400 by human rights groups. Former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly encouraged Iranian protesters to persist and take control of government institutions, signaling possible U.S. support that may include economic aid and other measures. The U.S. National Security Council convened to evaluate a broad range of responses, including military and cyber operations. Meanwhile, U.S. envoy Whitaker’s meeting with exiled former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi suggests efforts to unify protest leadership amid the absence of a clear domestic figurehead. Although Pahlavi calls for unity, his influence remains uncertain, especially given historical distrust among older generations. The ongoing internet blackout in Iran complicates full assessment of the protests’ scale, which could be the largest in recent history.
