Former US President Donald Trump has dramatically escalated tensions with Iran, publicly urging its citizens to take to the streets and seize control of their institutions. This incendiary call comes amid reports that more than 2,000 people have been killed by the regime during recent anti-government protests, placing the nation of Tehran on a precarious brink.
A Diplomatic Shift: From Dialogue to Direct Incitement
In a stark departure from traditional diplomatic channels, Donald Trump has chosen to address the Iranian people directly. Through his influential podcast platform, he has discarded the language of negotiation, instead encouraging a popular uprising. This move signals a significant shift in how external forces are engaging with the ongoing crisis within Iran, where the possibility of regime change now feels tangible to many observers and citizens alike.
Domestic Parallels: Legal Turmoil in Minneapolis
While international focus remains on Iran, a separate controversy is unfolding in the United States. In Minneapolis, a significant number of senior lawyers have resigned in protest. Their fury is directed at official plans to investigate the victim of last week's shooting before examining the actions of the man who pulled the trigger. This development highlights deepening domestic divisions on issues of justice and procedure.
Political Standoffs and Broader Implications
The geopolitical landscape is further complicated by domestic US political battles. Former President Bill Clinton and former First Lady Hillary Clinton have refused to appear before a Congressional committee, risking a charge of contempt of Congress—an offence that can carry a jail sentence. These concurrent events, from the streets of Tehran to the halls of Congress and a Minneapolis courthouse, paint a picture of a world grappling with profound political and social unrest as of Wednesday 14 January 2026.
The situation remains fluid, with the direct call for revolution from a figure of Trump's stature adding an unpredictable and volatile new element to the Iranian protest movement. The international community watches closely, assessing the potential for major geopolitical realignment should the internal pressure within Iran reach a breaking point.
