DETROIT, MICHIGAN January 13, 2026 – U.S. President Donald Trump urged Iranian protesters to continue their demonstrations against the Islamic Republic regime, promising that “help is on the way” and warning that those responsible for violence will “pay a very big price.”
In a video clip from a speech in Detroit on January 13, shared widely on social media including by the official White House Rapid Response account, Trump directly addressed “all Iranian patriots.”
“Keep protesting. Take over your institutions if possible and save the names of the killers and the abusers that are abusing you,” Trump said. He acknowledged conflicting reports on casualties, stating, “One death is too much,” but emphasized documenting abusers for future accountability.
Trump announced he had “canceled all meetings with the Iranian officials until the senseless killing of protesters stops.” He also highlighted new U.S. tariffs on entities doing business with Iran, which took effect immediately, and closed with the phrase, “Make Iran Great Again,” calling Iran a “great country” before the current leadership “took over.”
The president’s remarks come amid a major uprising in Iran that has entered its third week, marked by widespread anti-government protests and a severe regime crackdown.
Human rights organizations and activist groups report death tolls ranging from over 1,800 to as high as 3,000, with security forces accused of using lethal force against largely unarmed demonstrators. Iranian state media has reported over 100 security personnel killed, while opposition sources claim the regime has imposed internet blackouts and deployed military-grade weapons.
Protests, initially sparked by economic grievances, have evolved into calls for regime change, with some demonstrators chanting in support of restoring the monarchy under Reza Pahlavi.
The White House has not elaborated on what specific “help” Trump referenced, though the new tariffs and diplomatic freeze signal escalating U.S. pressure on Tehran.
International observers are closely monitoring developments, with concerns growing over potential further escalation in the region.
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