WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he has canceled talks with Iranian officials amid an intensifying crackdown on anti-government protests, pledging support for demonstrators after human rights monitors said the death toll has surged to 2,000.

Trump did not specify what form the support would take, but his remarks marked a sharp shift from earlier signals that Washington might engage Tehran following his recent threat of military action against the Islamic Republic.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump directly addressed protesters in Iran, urging them to continue their demonstrations and calling on them to take control of state institutions.

“Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!!” Trump wrote. “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.”

Trump has repeatedly warned Tehran that his administration would respond forcefully if Iranian authorities continue using lethal measures against demonstrators.

On Monday, the U.S. president said he would impose 25 percent tariffs on countries conducting business with Iran, “effective immediately,” though the White House has yet to release details on how the measure would be implemented.

The comments come as Iran faces mounting international scrutiny over its handling of nationwide protests, now in their third week, and amid growing uncertainty over the future of diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran. — Agencies