WASHINGTON: In a major escalation of tensions, US President Donald Trump has called for intensified protests in Iran and announced the cancellation of all meetings with Iranian officials. Trump made the announcement on his social media platform, Truth Social, writing: “Make Iran Great Again. I have canceled all meetings with Iranian officials.” He directly addressed protesters, stating, “help is on the way,” and urged them to “take control of the institutions.”
The move comes as the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the establishment of a new Air and Missile Defense Cell at the Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar. The newly inaugurated Joint Defense Operations Cell for the Middle East is designed to strengthen regional military coordination and significantly improve air and missile defense capabilities among US allies.
These developments unfold against a backdrop of growing anti-government protests in Iran, driven by severe inflation and a deepening economic crisis. US officials have previously warned Tehran that any violent crackdown on protesters could prompt a military response.
In a defiant response, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei praised pro-government rallies, stating the Iranian nation is “strong, powerful and aware.” He accused the United States of “deceptive actions” and relying on internal agents to implement conspiracies, which he claimed have been thwarted by national unity. Khamenei issued a pointed warninghttp://truy to the US, saying a “person drowning in arrogance” should learn from the fate of history’s most powerful rulers.
