The Iran Podcast “Help is on the way” Trump tells Iranians
Jan 17, 2026
Negar Mortazavi, an insightful American-Iranian journalist and host, discusses Trump's recent comments to Iranian protesters that 'Help is on the way.' They dive into how this message could impact the situation on the ground amid state violence. The conversation also explores the potential US interventions, from sanctions to cyber operations, and the ethical considerations of urging protesters to act during a crackdown. Mortazavi critiques Trump's unpredictable messaging style and reflects on the implications for Iranian solidarity and response.
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Public Messaging Without Clear Policy
- Trump’s “help is on the way” post raised expectations of imminent action but lacked clarity on concrete plans.
- Negar Mortazavi says such posts can encourage some protesters but don’t substitute for coordinated policy or follow-through.
Administration Divided Over Options
- Inside the White House there was no consensus on a single approach, from strikes to diplomacy.
- Lara reports advisors debated military strikes, sanctions, cyber options and online influence operations.
Tweet Encouragements Aren’t Enough
- The president’s encouragement worried some protesters but didn’t translate into clear action on the ground.
- Negar notes harsh state crackdowns and confusion about diplomatic talk have slowed momentum.