Iranians Respond to Trump's Call for Uprising, Cite Need for External Support and Fear of Repression
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Thousands of Iranians replied to President Trump's social-media query about a new uprising, saying they lack confidence in the regime’s weakened security forces and fear renewed crackdowns without clear international backing.
President Donald Trump asked on his Truth Social platform when Iranians would rise up against the Islamic Republic, adding that he preferred a position of control over the Hormuz Strait and a collapsing Iranian economy. In response, thousands of viewers of Iran International sent messages expressing skepticism about the prospects for another mass protest.
Many respondents highlighted the long history of dissent, noting that Iranians have repeatedly taken to the streets over the past decades. One commenter wrote, "The people of Iran have been fighting for 47 years," while another urged foreign governments to provide assistance, saying, "Now it is time for other countries to help them."
A recurring theme was the fear of a harsh crackdown. Participants argued that the security forces’ capacity to suppress demonstrations must be reduced before a new uprising could succeed. One message warned, "No matter how brave you are, if you know you will be killed by snipers, it is foolish to fight empty-handed."
Several users warned that any U.S. negotiations with Tehran could undermine the opposition’s goals. A respondent stated, "Negotiating with the killers of the people is a mistake. Help so that the people themselves can finish the job."
Some suggested concrete actions, such as maintaining naval and land blockades and allowing regional allies to pressure the regime, as conditions that might enable Iranians to resume protests. Others called for stronger international support for opposition figures, including exiled Prince Reza Pahlavi, in the event of a transition.
Skepticism about U.S. intentions also appeared. One commenter said, "We are afraid that we will come out and you will negotiate with the mullahs’ regime again," while another recalled Trump’s earlier promise that "help is on its way," noting that protests had followed that statement but subsided after a deal was reached.
Overall, the messages reflected a mix of frustration, caution, and a demand for tangible external pressure before Iranians would risk another large-scale confrontation with the government.