On Tuesday, Donald Trump announced that canceled all scheduled meetings with Iranian officials until the “killing of protesters” ends.
The rest of the article below the video:
“Iranian patriots, keep protesting – take over your institutions! Write down the names of the killers and torturers. They will pay a high price… Help is on the way” wrote the US president.
The protests that broke out in Iran at the end of December are a reaction to the deteriorating economic situation and the repressive policy of the regime. Activist groups estimate that the death toll may reach several thousand people. Iranian authorities responded to the demonstrations by blocking the Internet, making it much more difficult for protesters to report on the events.
Donald Trump is considering various options regarding Iran
The White House confirmed that US president considers various scenarios, including air strikes on Iranian military infrastructure and members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps – we read in the Financial Times.
— The president has shown that he is not afraid to use military options when he deems it necessary – said White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt.
According to US administration sources, possible targets also include command centers, government warehouses and leaders of the Iranian regime. Washington, former and current defense officials have indicated, has the means to launch an attack even without an aircraft carrier presence in the region.
Read also: Iran accuses Israel and the US of terrorism. It's about the recent riots
Asked about the possible evacuation of US allies from Iran, Trump replied briefly: “They should get out of there… It's a good idea.”
Iran ready for escalation
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Monday in an interview with the Arabic branch of Al-Jazeera that his country is prepared for a possible military escalation by the US.
“If Washington wants to test the military option it has tested before, we are ready for it” – said the head of the Iranian Foreign Ministry, while expressing hope that the United States will decide on a “wise approach” and dialogue.
Read also: Iran accuses Israel and the US of terrorism. It's about the recent riots
Abbas Araghchi also revealed that communications with American envoy Steve Witkoff continued both before and after the protests began.
Things are getting really hot in the Middle East
Qatar's foreign ministry warned on Tuesday of the potential consequences of expanding the conflict. “Escalation would have disastrous consequences in the region” – said the Qatari authorities.
In Tehran, despite tensions, signs of a return to normality have been observed in recent days. The Financial Times reports that residents are taking to the streets to stock up on food and get back to work.
- Read also: Iran threatens protesters with the death penalty. The regime is intensifying its repression
