US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that Washington is prepared to assist as Iranian authorities increase pressure on protesters across the country. His comments came as demonstrations continue and security forces respond with force.

“Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!” Trump said in a social post on Truth Social.

He did not explain what form that help might take.

Warning Follows Earlier Threats

Trump’s statement followed remarks made a day earlier. He said Iran was in “big trouble” and again raised the possibility of military action. He did not rule out ordering new strikes.

President Trump repeated his support for protesters later, posting again that “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!”

Protests Hard to Track Amid Blackout

With Iran’s internet shut down and phone lines cut, it has become difficult to assess the full scale of the protests from outside the country. Despite this, reports indicate that the situation is worsening.

According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 72 people have been killed so far. More than 2,300 others have been detained. Iranian state television, meanwhile, has focused on casualties among security forces and has portrayed the government as being in control.

Tehran Signals Tougher Action

Iran’s top leadership has signalled a harsher response. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has indicated that a wider crackdown is coming, despite warnings from the United States.

On Saturday, Tehran escalated its rhetoric further. Iran’s attorney general, Mohammad Movahedi Azad, warned that anyone involved in protests would be treated as an “enemy of God.” This charge carries the death penalty. State television said the accusation would also apply to those who “helped rioters.”

“Prosecutors must carefully and without delay, by issuing indictments, prepare the grounds for the trial and decisive confrontation with those who, by betraying the nation and creating insecurity, seek foreign domination over the country,” the statement read.
“Proceedings must be conducted without leniency, compassion or indulgence.”

International Calls for Restraint

Global leaders have urged Iran to step back from violence. European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen said Europe supports the mass protests in Iran and condemned the “violent repression” used against demonstrators.

The international community has continued to call for restraint, even as the situation inside Iran remains tense.

Daily Life Disrupted

On Saturday, which marks the start of the working week in Iran, daily life was clearly affected. A man in Tehran said he could not access his work email due to the communication shutdown.

“This is the price to pay before the victory of the people,” he said.

Trump Keeps Military Option Open

Trump also addressed Iran on Friday, following Washington’s support for Israel during its 12-day war with the Islamic republic in June. He again refused to rule out further military action.

“Iran’s in big trouble. It looks to me that the people are taking over certain cities that nobody thought were really possible just a few weeks ago,” Trump said.