Trump tells Iranians: Keep on protesting... help is on its way

DONALD Trump has urged Iranians to take over their country’s institutions, promising “help is on its way” as 2,000 were reported to have died in two weeks of nationwide protests against the hardline regime.

- BY GILES SHELDRICK Chief Reporter

The US president said he had cancelled talks with officials from the Islamic republic, who he previously claimed were willing to negotiate with Washington following his threats to avenge their deadly crackdown.

He urged protesters not to give up hope, and suggested anyone who kills or abuses those opposing the regime would be punished.

He posted on Truth Social yesterday: “Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING—TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!!

“Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price. I have cancelled all meetings with Iranian Officials until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS. HELP IS ON ITS WAY.”

He offered no details about what the promised help would entail.

But he moved to isolate Iran by declaring that any country that does business with the Islamic Republic faces a 25% tariff on its dealings with the US.

In another post on his Truth Social platform he said: “Effective immediately, any country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a tariff of 25% on any and all business being done with the United States of America.

Tensions

“This order is final and conclusive.”

Iran, a member of the Opec oil producing group, has been heavily sanctioned by Washington for years.

It exports much of its oil to China, as well as to Turkey, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates and India.

It is unclear what legal authority Mr Trump would use to impose the tariffs, or whether they would be aimed at all of Iran’s trading partners.

But the development has ratcheted up tensions with China, Iran’s biggest trading partner, which has criticised the American move.

China is one of a small number of countries willing to circumvent US sanctions to do business with Iran.

Estimates suggest it buys at least 80% of Tehran's shipped oil, possibly as much as 90%.