The escalating crisis involving Trump Iran relations has reached a breaking point. On January 13, 2026, US President Donald Trump moved past tough—but still diplomatic—rhetoric to threatening direct intervention and openly supporting protesters, effectively calling for the overthrow of the current regime.
Trump: ‘Seize Your State Institutions!’
US President Donald Trump published a series of resonant posts on his platform, Truth Social. He announced the complete cancellation of all meetings with Tehran officials until the killing of civilians ceases.
Trump’s main message was addressed directly to the Iranians: “Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE BACK YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! Keep the names of the murderers and torturers. They will pay a heavy price.”
Trump also introduced a new slogan — MIGA (Make Iran Great Again), promising that “help is on the way.” Despite the militant tone, the White House clarified that communication channels remain open, but Trump’s position has hardened radically over the last 24 hours.
Secret Meetings and the “Venezuelan Scenario”
According to reports from Axios, Trump held closed-door consultations with Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the son of the last Shah of Iran. This fuels speculation that Washington is considering a regime change scenario based on the opposition in exile (similar to past attempts to recognize Juan Guaidó in Venezuela).
Information Blockade: The End of Starlink in Iran?
Tehran responded to the protests with an unprecedented internet shutdown. Reports indicate that the Iranian military deployed powerful satellite signal suppression equipment to block Starlink terminals.
Experts from NetBlocks and human rights activists note an 80% loss of Starlink traffic in some regions. Specialists suggest that mobile EW (electronic warfare) systems are being used, likely supplied from abroad or developed domestically based on GPS jamming technologies.
Blood on the Streets: Death Toll Reaches Hundreds
The Iranian human rights organization HRANA provided chilling data on the scale of the suppression of unrest:
- Casualties: As of January 13, the deaths of at least 646 people have been confirmed (some independent estimates suggest this number may exceed 1,800–2,000, including security force personnel).
- Arrests: More than 10,700 people have been detained.
- Authorities’ Reaction: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi officially accused the US and Israel of inciting “terrorist attacks” and stated that the country is ready for any scenario, including a military one.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that protesters in the Iranian city of Malekshahi (Ilam province) eliminated Colonel Mehdi Rahimi of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Protesters accused Rahimi of ordering fire on demonstrators on January 3, 2026, which resulted in the deaths of at least nine people.
Diplomatic Fallout and Trump Iran Policy Shift
Trump stated that he receives hourly reports from Iran. At the same time, according to US media, the American intelligence community has already presented the president with an updated plan for potential pinpoint strikes on Iranian targets if the street violence does not cease. US authorities have advised their citizens to leave Iran immediately.
The situation is balanced on the verge of a full-scale regional conflict or an internal revolution.
