ROB SCHMITZ, HOST:
Help is on its way. That was President Trump's message on social media today to anti-government protesters in Iran as he urged them to continue taking to the streets. The protests, which started in late December, have turned increasingly deadly over the past few days, with at least 2,000 people killed. That's according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. NPR's international affairs correspondent Jackie Northam joins us now with the latest Hey, Jackie.
JACKIE NORTHAM, BYLINE: Hi, Rob.
SCHMITZ: So it sounds as though Trump is encouraging protesters in Iran despite reports that huge numbers of people are being killed. Tell us a bit more about Trump's post today. What kind of help is on its way?
NORTHAM: Well, Trump doesn't say what he means by help. He just told the protesters to keep going, take over their institutions and to say the names of, quote, "killers and abusers" and that they will pay a big price. You know, Trump added that he has canceled all meetings with Iranian officials until the killing stops. Before Trump's comments, we had been hearing that there was an effort using intermediaries to find a diplomatic solution, you know, to this increasingly heated rhetoric and threats between the U.S. and Iran over these protests. But it seems that that's now broken down, if Trump's comments are anything to go by.
SCHMITZ: You know, there has been an internet and cellphone blackout over the past few days in Iran, although limited cellphone use was restored today. And we're getting word about the soaring number of protesters who were killed. What do we know at this hour?
NORTHAM: Well, you're right. It's tough to get good, verifiable information and videos out of Iran, but it is getting out slowly. And, Rob, it's very sobering. Human rights groups such as, as you mentioned, the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, say at least 2,000 people have been killed. About 1,800 were protesters, and about 135 were from the security forces. Now, NPR has not been able to independently verify those numbers, but the Iranian regime itself confirms the 2,000 figure. They're blaming what they call armed groups and terrorists. You know, by the way, human rights groups say those numbers could be much higher.
SCHMITZ: Wow. I mean, there's been a number of mass protests in recent years. How does this one compare?
NORTHAM: Oh, this is one of the deadliest, and it is likely going to get worse. You know, they've got heavily armed Revolutionary Guard Corps on the streets now, and there are images of dead bodies in the streets and morgues with people trying to identify their family members. You know, the protests are dwindling. No surprise, given how unsafe it is. We've been reaching out to people inside Iran, and they're so terrified that they don't even want to say anything, even if they're promised anonymity.
SCHMITZ: Right.
NORTHAM: One person contacted by NPR who asked not to be named or even have their voice recorded said there's blood everywhere. They are determined to kill us all. So it's uncertain how many protesters will be encouraged by Trump's comments.
SCHMITZ: The protests are now in their third week, thousands dead and tense relations between the U.S. and Iran. Any sense of what will come next?
NORTHAM: Trump's national security team is looking into what military options might be available. And they say, you know, it looks like the diplomatic solution is not viable right now, but really all options are still on the table.
SCHMITZ: That's NPR's Jackie Northam. Thanks.
NORTHAM: Thanks so much. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
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