POLITICS

Trump Urges Iranian Protesters; Cancels Talks Amid Crackdown

PUBLISHED Jan 13, 2026, 4:55 PM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 11

Center 100%

Sources: 11

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced this week that he has canceled meetings with Iranian officials and urged anti-government protesters to escalate actions, saying "help is on its way." He posted on Truth Social instructing Iranians to "keep protesting" and "take over your institutions," and said those who killed demonstrators would "pay a big price." The administration said it is consulting national security advisers and monitoring reports of detentions and fatalities; human rights monitors and activist groups have publicly reported more than 2,000 deaths and roughly 16,700 arrests since unrest began Dec. 28. Based on 7 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Najma A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Dec. 28: Nationwide protests begin across Iran.
Early January: U.S. issues threats; reports say Iran sought talks days later.
Mid-January: Human rights groups and Iranian sources report roughly 2,000 deaths and over 16,000 arrests.
Jan. 13-14: President Trump posts urging protesters to 'take over' institutions and cancels meetings with Iranian officials.
Jan. 14: U.S. national security team convenes to evaluate possible responses.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 11
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 11
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

External opponents of the Iranian government, including foreign policymakers and political actors, gained diplomatic leverage from President Trump's cancellation of meetings and public encouragement of protesters.

Who Impacted

Iranian civilians, protesters, and families suffered from the violent crackdown, with thousands reportedly killed, detained, and displaced amid intensified state repression.