Trump UNLEASHES Revolutionary Strategy

President Trump has abandoned traditional diplomacy with Iran, directly urging Iranian citizens to “take over” their government institutions while warning regime officials they “will pay a big price” for killing protesters.

Story Highlights

Trump cancels all diplomatic meetings with Iranian officials until the protest killings cease
President publicly calls on Iranian citizens to “take over institutions” and keep protesting
White House confirms military options remain under active consideration
New 25% tariffs imposed on any country conducting business with Iran

Trump Takes Direct Action Against Iranian Regime

On January 13, 2026, President Trump announced via Truth Social that he had suspended all meetings with Iranian officials until the regime stopped its deadly crackdown on protesters. Trump’s statement broke diplomatic protocol by speaking directly to Iranian citizens: “Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!”

This approach bypasses traditional government-to-government channels in favor of supporting anti-regime forces directly. The President promised protesters that “HELP IS ON ITS WAY” without specifying the nature of assistance.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that military options remain under consideration, stating Trump “has shown he’s unafraid to use military options if and when he deems necessary.”

The administration imposed immediate economic pressure through 25% tariffs on countries conducting business with Iran. These measures represent the most aggressive U.S. stance toward Tehran since Trump returned to office, prioritizing pressure tactics over diplomatic engagement.

Iranian Regime Responds With Violence and Threats

The Iranian government has escalated its crackdown on protesters, killing at least 646 demonstrators with thousands more deaths expected to be confirmed. Authorities implemented internet blackouts for five consecutive days to prevent documentation and coordination of protests.

State media reports over 100 security personnel killed, indicating significant resistance from anti-government forces. These tactics mirror the regime’s response to the 2022 Mahsa Amini protests but with increased lethality.

IRAN ON NOTICE: President Trump cancels all meetings with Iranian officials and calls on protesters to 'TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS' as the civilian death toll rises. 'They will pay a big price,' Trump vows of those responsible for killings. https://t.co/LNuY8Edg0Y

— Fox News Politics (@foxnewspolitics) January 13, 2026

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that Tehran is “ready for any military confrontation” with the United States. The regime’s reliance on deadly force to maintain power demonstrates the weakness Trump’s pressure campaign aims to exploit.

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk expressed being “horrified” by the violence, while the regime continues cutting off internet access to suppress information flow about the escalating death toll.

International Support Builds for Regime Change

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz publicly predicted the “final days and weeks” of the Iranian regime, stating that when a government “can only maintain power through violence, then it is effectively at its end.”

This represents growing international consensus that the Islamic Republic faces unprecedented instability. The exiled Iranian Crown Prince urged Trump to act quickly, arguing that rapid intervention would minimize casualties by accelerating regime collapse.

Trump’s direct messaging to Iranian protesters signals a fundamental shift from previous diplomatic approaches that legitimized the regime through engagement. By supporting institutional takeover rather than reform, the administration aligns with Iranian citizens seeking complete regime change.

This strategy recognizes that the Islamic Republic’s authoritarian structure cannot be reformed and must be replaced to end decades of oppression and regional terrorism.