KEY POINTS
- Trump urges Iranian protesters to continue demonstrations and “take over institutions,” saying “help is on its way.”
- US President warns that Iranian officials “will pay a big price”.
- Iranian Foreign Minister said Iran is prepared for war but open to fair negotiations.
- Supporters of Iran’s government held rallies in Tehran, Kerman, Zahedan, and Birjand.
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday called on Iranian protesters to continue demonstrations against the government, urging them to “take over institutions” and warning that Iranian officials “will pay a big price.”
Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump added, “HELP IS ON ITS WAY,” without specifying the form of assistance.
“Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS! … HELP IS ON ITS WAY,” Trump stated.
“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,” Trump stated.
Trump, who has repeatedly threatened Iran with military intervention, signed off with “MIGA” — “Make Iran Great Again.”
The US President did not specify what form the promised “help” would take.
On Monday, his Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that a channel for diplomacy with Tehran remained open, saying that Iran was taking a “far different tone” in private discussions with Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff.
The US President will meet with his senior national security team later today to discuss his options in Iran, CNN reported. On Monday, he announced that countries that do business with Iran will face a 25 percent tariff.
Iran swiftly responded to Trump, stating that the main killers of Iranians are Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani posted on X in response to Trump’s Truth Social post: “We declare the names of the main killers of the people of Iran: 1- Trump 2- Netanyahu.”
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
US urges citizens to ‘leave Iran now’
On Monday, the virtual US Embassy for Iran warned American citizens to exit the country without delay.
“Leave Iran now,” the embassy said in a security alert, urging its nationals to plan for departing Iran without assistance from the US government.
“If you cannot leave, find a secure location within your residence or another safe building,” it added.
The advisory urged US citizens in Iran to expect continued internet outages, plan alternative means of communication, and, “if safe to do so, consider departing Iran by land to Armenia or Turkiye.”
Iranian universities postpone exams
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran, Mudassir Tipu, has announced that Iranian universities have officially postponed their examinations for a period of one month.
This decision comes alongside an authorisation for international students, including those from Pakistan, to return to their home countries.
In a statement, Ambassador Tipu provided instructions for Pakistani nationals and students in Iran.
He advised Pakistani students to organise their travel schedules and return programmes immediately in light of the exam postponement and the permission to leave.
All Pakistani citizens must ensure they carry valid travel documents (passports, national IDs, etc.) at all times to avoid any legal or logistical hurdles during transit, the Ambassador instructed.
Ambassador Tipu stated that the Pakistani Embassy is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating with local authorities to ensure a smooth departure for all those wishing to travel.
I urge all Pakistani citizens in Iran to keep their travel documents, particularly immigration-related documents such as passport and ID cards, readily available with them . Those who have expired documents, or their documents are not in their possession, they may kindly urgently…
— Ambassador Mudassir (@AmbMudassir) January 13, 2026
The ambassador further shared that the repatriation process is already underway.
To date, 72 Pakistani students from Hormozgan University have departed for Pakistan, and the return of students from Zanjan University is also being facilitated.
“Pakistani students should plan their schedules in accordance with these updates and strictly adhere to all travel advisories to ensure their safety and convenience,” Mudassir Tipu, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran.
US is interested in exploring diplomacy
On Monday, the White House said the US president “has an interest” in exploring diplomacy with Iran.
Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said that Trump is “unafraid” to follow through on his threats to use military force on Iranian targets if demonstrators are attacked by security forces, but said his preference is to pursue diplomacy with Tehran.
Iranian officials have accused the US and Israel of backing what they describe as “armed rioters,” who have carried out several attacks in public places nationwide.
Meanwhile, Turkiye has warned that any foreign intervention in Iran would deepen crises in both the country and the wider region. Ankara stressed that Iran’s internal issues should be resolved through dialogue and the country’s own social dynamics.
Iran is currently experiencing its largest wave of demonstrations since 2022, while Trump has said Washington could get involved if force is used against protesters.
The unrest, now in its third week, was triggered by economic grievances and has prompted a near-total internet blackout, according to monitor NetBlocks.
Meanwhile on Monday, supporters of Iran’s government staged rallies across the country.
In the capital Tehran, crowds gathered at Enghelab Square near the University of Tehran on Monday, waving national flags and condemning recent violence in public areas, Anadolu Agency reported.
Similar demonstrations were reported in Kerman, Zahedan, and Birjand in eastern Iran. Protesters urged authorities to address economic grievances while rejecting what they described as “foreign interference” in domestic affairs.
Iran ready for ‘war and negotiations’
On Monday, Iran’s foreign minister said the Islamic Republic is ready for both war and negotiations.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told a conference of foreign ambassadors in Tehran, broadcast by state television, that Iran is “not seeking war but is fully prepared for war.”
He added that the country is ready for negotiations, provided they are “fair, with equal rights and based on mutual respect.”
Araghchi’s statements followed Trump’s repeated warnings of US military intervention.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said a channel of communication remains open between Araghchi and Trump’s special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations.
“Messages are exchanged whenever necessary,” Baghaei said, noting that while the US has no diplomatic presence in Iran, its interests are represented by the Swiss embassy.
Oman’s foreign minister also met Araghchi in Tehran on Saturday, highlighting ongoing diplomatic contacts.
China opposes foreign ‘interference’
China also called for restraint and opposed foreign “interference” in Iran’s domestic affairs.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said all parties should work towards “peace and stability in the Middle East.”
The situation follows last year’s 12-day Israel-Iran conflict.
The protests, initially sparked by rising prices and economic frustration, have spread across major cities, including Tehran and Mashhad.
Social media footage shows large crowds marching at night, chanting slogans, and clashing with security forces.
Iranian authorities have accused the US and Israel of fuelling the unrest and called for rallies condemning “terrorist actions led by the United States and Israel.”
President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the demonstrations as orchestrated by external enemies and urged families to keep children away from protests.
