Trump sends cryptic message to Iran as Ayatollah goes into hiding

Addressing the Iranian people directly, Trump expressed solidarity with those facing repression and assured them that “help is on its way.”

By World Israel News Staff

President Donald Trump signaled a sharp escalation toward Iran on Tuesday, cutting off the prospect of talks as the regime intensifies its violent crackdown on protesters.

At the same time, an Arab source claims Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has gone into hiding, relocating to an underground tunnel amid fears of an assassination attempt.

The reported move highlights growing instability inside Iran, where nationwide unrest has shaken the regime’s hold on power.

Addressing the Iranian people directly, Trump expressed solidarity with those facing repression and assured them that “help is on its way.”

While he offered no details, the message came as human rights monitors report the protest death toll has climbed past 2,000, underscoring the regime’s brutal response.

Some sources say the death toll has exceeded 12,000.

Just days earlier, Trump had indicated Iran was seeking negotiations with Washington after he warned of possible military action.

But the continued bloodshed appears to have forced a decisive shift.

In a forceful post on Truth Social, Trump made clear that engagement with Iranian officials is off the table.

“Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!!” Trump wrote in a morning post on Truth Social. “Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price. I have cancelled all meetings with Iranian Officials until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS. HELP IS ON ITS WAY.”

The president has repeatedly warned Tehran that the use of lethal force against its own citizens would have consequences.

On Sunday, Trump said Iran was “starting to cross” a critical line and that his national security team was weighing “very strong options,” even as Iran quietly reached out to the U.S.

On Monday, the White House said diplomacy remained possible — but only if Iran changed course.

“What you’re hearing publicly from the Iranian regime is quite different from the messages the administration is receiving privately, and I think the president has an interest in exploring those messages,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

“However, with that said, the president has shown he’s unafraid to use military options if and when he deems necessary, and nobody knows that better than Iran.”

Trump also announced new economic pressure, saying the U.S. would impose 25% tariffs on countries doing business with Tehran, “effective immediately,” though details have not been released.

More than 600 protests have erupted across all 31 Iranian provinces, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency.

Iranian state media has largely remained silent, while online videos offer only brief and shaky glimpses of demonstrations and gunfire.

Supporters of stronger action against Iran say the moment is significant.

They argue the protests — the largest in years — represent a serious challenge to the theocratic regime that has ruled since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, now severe enough, they say, to drive the Ayatollah underground.

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