President Trump is standing by the deadly anti-government protests across Iran that began on December 28, as millions of citizens stand up against the regime. Citizens of Iran began taking to the streets against the government's economic policies. At least 25 protesters have been killed including an 11-year-old child and over 450 arrests have been made. The demonstrations breaking out over the last six days are the biggest in the country's history since 2009 when pro-reform rallies began.
Protesters have tried to gain access to government buildings and even tried to storm a police station in Qahdarijan.
To counteract the protests throughout the cities in Iran authorities have used tear gas and water cannons against the people. It is also possible that some of the protesters that have been arrested could be sentenced to death according to a report in the Washington Post.
Citizens are frustrated with the slow economy and the 40% increase in all goods, such as milk and eggs. Iranians want higher wages and want social freedom and political openness. More than half the population is unemployed and have no means to pay for any increases. People also want to know why Iran is spending billions of dollars on foreign policy in the Middle East while the citizens suffer.
President Trump tweeted, “such respect for the People Of Iran as they try to take back their corrupt government.
The president went on to say, “you will see great support from the United States at the appropriate time.”
Such respect for the people of Iran as they try to take back their corrupt government. You will see great support from the United States at the appropriate time!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018
The president also blamed former President Barack Obama for the Iran nuclear deal and also tweeted, "All of the money that President Obama so foolishly gave them went into terrorism and into their 'pockets.' The people have little food, big inflation, and no human rights.
The U.S. is watching!"
The people of Iran are finally acting against the brutal and corrupt Iranian regime. All of the money that President Obama so foolishly gave them went into terrorism and into their “pockets.” The people have little food, big inflation and no human rights. The U.S. is watching!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018
US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley also spoke about the unrest, stating: “we must not be silent.
The people of Iran are crying out for freedom. All freedom-loving people must stand with their cause.” She continued by saying, "If the Iranian dictatorship's history is any guide, we can expect more outrageous abuses in the days to come. The UN must speak out," according to CBSN.
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Iran’s leader, the Supreme Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is blaming foreign enemies for the six days of protests. He blamed Iran’s allies for going along with their enemies to strike the Islamic Republic, according to his Twitter account.
In recent events, enemies of #Iran have allied & used the various means they possess, including money, weapons, politics &intelligence services, to trouble the Islamic Republic. The enemy is always looking for an opportunity & any crevice to infiltrate &strike the Iranian nation. pic.twitter.com/HIXtudRAue
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) January 2, 2018
High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein is also keeping a close eye on the anti-government protests.
He is asking the Iranian Government to show respect to the citizens protesting and to use minimum violence and to investigate any acts of violence that occur. Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein also asked Iran to allow the people to be heard and to have the right to peaceful demonstrations, and that no further life should be lost.
