Trump Comments on Iranian Protests and U.S. Support

President Donald Trump expressed skepticism about the Iranian public's ability to rise against their government due to violence, while refraining from confirming whether the U.S. would assist dissident groups. Speaking from the Oval Office on September 2, 2026, Trump told reporters that it "wouldn’t be appropriate to say" if U.S. intelligence would materially aid Iranian protesters. He acknowledged the plight of the citizens, stating, "they’re being shot," and noted that his recent social media post questioning when the Iranian people would rise up was rhetorical. Trump mentioned that approximately 65,000 protesters have been killed since the attempted uprising in December 2025 and January 2026, which prompted him to promise support to the Iranian people. He launched Operation Epic Fury, targeting Iranian leadership and military infrastructure, in February 2026. However, government crackdowns suppressed the protests before U.S. operations commenced, resulting in numerous deaths and arrests. Trump remarked, "That’s why it’s not happening — and who can blame them?" On social media, Trump stated he is not trying to force Iran to negotiate but is waiting for the country to collapse. He expressed satisfaction with the current U.S. position regarding the Hormuz Strait and Iran's economic situation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed this stance in an interview, suggesting that opportunities for negotiation have diminished. Despite acknowledging the violence suppressing dissent, the White House appears to be relying on economic and political instability to encourage further protests against the Iranian regime. Trump asserted that the regime is weakening and that eventually, the government would struggle to suppress dissent. Ali Safavi, a member of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, stated that the regime's overthrow depends on a popular uprising and organized resistance. He noted that economic hardships and political repression continue to fuel discontent. Alan Eyre from the Middle East Institute expressed doubt about the potential for regime change from outside, emphasizing the need for an organized opposition within Iran. Eyre cautioned against conflating the desire for a better regime with the wish for societal collapse. Senator Ted Cruz has called on Trump to provide arms to dissidents in Iran, arguing that protesters need better support against armed forces.