Iranian authorities have announced that some individuals arrested during recent anti-government demonstrations will face charges punishable by death, as US President Donald Trump urged citizens to continue protesting.
Read More: Trump urges Iranians to keep protesting, says ‘help is on its way’
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING — TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!!… HELP IS ON ITS WAY,” while cancelling all meetings with Iranian officials until the “senseless killing” of protesters stops. Asked to clarify, he added, “You’re going to have to figure that one out. I’m sorry.”
We declare the names of the main killers of the people of Iran:
1- Trump
2- Netanyahu pic.twitter.com/CqcQYKHbDJ— Ali Larijani | علی لاریجانی (@alilarijani_ir) January 13, 2026
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) January 13, 2026
The rising number of casualties in Iran is horrifying. I unequivocally condemn the excessive use of force and continued restriction of freedom.
The European Union has already listed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in its entirety under its human rights sanctions regime.…
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) January 13, 2026
The Iranian government, in response, accused Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being the “main killers” of the Iranian people. Officials said the protests have led to around 2,000 deaths, blaming “terrorists” for fatalities among both protesters and security forces.
To control unrest, Tehran has imposed communication restrictions, including an internet blackout that has lasted several days. Iranian authorities maintain that protests over economic grievances are legitimate, but have cracked down on what they describe as hijacked demonstrations. Videos verified by Reuters show nighttime clashes between security forces and demonstrators, with gunfire, fires, and damaged property.
Trump’s announcement of 25 percent import tariffs on countries trading with Iran has also rattled global markets, pushing oil prices up about 3 percent amid concerns over crude exports. World powers have reacted cautiously: China condemned the tariffs, Russia called foreign interference “disastrous,” and Qatar called for de-escalation.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen condemned the violence against protesters and urged Tehran to restore internet access and halt repression. Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz predicted potential government collapse, which Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed as double standards.
Read More: Trump warns of strong action if Iran hangs protesters
Meanwhile, members of Iran’s exiled royal family, including Reza Pahlavi and Farah Pahlavi, voiced support for the protesters, praising their courage and calling for peaceful change.