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Trump Tells Iranian Protesters 'Help Is Coming' as Washington Reviews Military and Cyber Options

A rising, disputed death toll is driving fresh pressure on Tehran.

Overview

  • The White House received a range of responses from the Pentagon, with reporting pointing to potential cyber operations or targeted actions against Iran’s internal security forces rather than immediate large-scale strikes.
  • President Trump imposed a 25% tariff on trade with the United States by any country that does business with Iran, a move denounced by China, which vowed to defend its interests.
  • Tehran confirmed a direct channel with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, even as Trump said he canceled meetings with Iranian officials until the killings stop and publicly urged demonstrators to keep protesting.
  • Rights monitors reported at least 648 confirmed deaths with far higher figures feared, Iran International cited estimates of about 12,000, and rights groups warned of imminent executions under a sweeping crackdown and near-blackout of internet access.
  • Iran summoned the ambassadors of the UK, France, Germany and Italy to protest Western support for the demonstrations, accused Washington at the UN of seeking a pretext to attack, and drew public backing from Russia as Europe weighs further measures.