President Donald Trump has sharply escalated tensions with Iran following a dramatic social media post that appeared to signal growing confidence within the White House that Iran’s leadership may be facing a moment of profound vulnerability.

In a characteristically all-caps message posted on Tuesday, Mr Trump openly encouraged Iranian protesters to intensify their pressure on state institutions, urging them to document those he described as their “killers and abusers”. The language, unusually direct even by the president’s standards, suggested a belief that the Iranian regime could be approaching a breaking point.

Most striking was a short but forceful message embedded in the post: “HELP IS ON ITS WAY.” The phrase has been widely interpreted in Washington and beyond as the clearest indication so far that Mr Trump may be considering some form of direct intervention, potentially marking a decisive shift in US policy toward Iran.

Senior administration officials are expected to meet at the White House later today to examine a range of possible responses, including political, economic and strategic options. While no formal decision has been announced, the meeting underscores the seriousness with which the president’s comments are being treated.

Only days earlier, Mr Trump had hinted at a willingness to explore diplomatic avenues, saying Iran had made what he described as an offer to engage in talks. That suggestion briefly raised hopes of de-escalation after weeks of unrest and violence inside Iran.

However, the president’s latest remarks suggest that diplomacy has, at least for now, been placed on hold. In a subsequent post on Truth Social, Mr Trump said he had cancelled all planned meetings with Iranian officials, citing what he called the “senseless killing of protesters”.

“All meetings with Iranian officials are cancelled until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS,” he wrote, again using capital letters to emphasise his position.

Protests were held across Minneapolis on Wednesday following the fatal shooting of a woman by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, an incident that has intensified national debate over immigration enforcement and the use of force by federal officers.

The woman, identified as 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, was shot at approximately 10:25 local time (16:25 GMT) during an ICE operation in the city. Authorities said the incident occurred amid heightened immigration enforcement activity in Minnesota, which has seen an increase in federal operations in recent weeks.

In a statement posted on X, US Vice-President JD Vance described the death as tragic while placing responsibility on the victim’s actions. “You can accept that this woman’s death is a tragedy while acknowledging it’s a tragedy of her own making,” Vance wrote. He added that individuals should not “illegally interfere in federal law enforcement operations” or attempt to endanger officers, saying, “It’s really that simple.”

The shooting has drawn widespread public reaction, with demonstrators gathering to demand transparency, accountability, and a reassessment of enforcement tactics. Protesters called for a full and open investigation into the circumstances surrounding Good’s death, while also urging political leaders to address community concerns over the impact of aggressive immigration policies.

The incident comes against the backdrop of significant policy changes under President Donald Trump’s administration. In November, Trump ended a long-standing protection programme for Somali residents living in Minnesota, a state that is home to the largest population of Somali immigrants in the United States. The move heightened anxiety within immigrant communities, many of whom have lived in the state for decades and are deeply integrated into its social and economic life.

Weeks after ending the programme, Trump made comments indicating he did not want Somali immigrants in the US, saying they should “go back to where they came from” and describing their country as “no good for a reason.” Those remarks drew strong criticism from civil rights groups and community leaders, who warned that such rhetoric could inflame tensions and contribute to fear among minority communities.

Despite the anger and grief sparked by the shooting, local leaders and community organisers have emphasised peaceful protest and constructive dialogue. Many demonstrators said their goal is not only justice for Renee Nicole Good, but also meaningful engagement with authorities to ensure clearer rules of engagement, better communication, and safer outcomes during law enforcement operations.

As investigations continue, Minnesota officials have reiterated their commitment to cooperation with federal authorities while also prioritising public safety and community trust.

The White House has confirmed that US President Donald Trump is discussing “a range of options” regarding the possible acquisition of Greenland, including the potential use of military means, describing the Arctic territory as a key national security interest for the United States.

In a statement the White House said acquiring Greenland — a semi-autonomous region of Denmark, which is also a Nato ally — was considered a “national security priority” by the administration. Officials emphasised that discussions were ongoing and framed within the broader context of US strategic and security planning in the Arctic.

“The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilising the US military is always an option at the commander-in-chief’s disposal,” the White House said on Tuesday.

The comments came just hours after several European leaders issued a joint statement expressing strong support for Denmark, as Copenhagen continues to firmly reject Washington’s interest in taking control of the island. Denmark has repeatedly stressed that Greenland is not for sale and that any future decisions concerning the territory rest with the Greenlandic people.

President Trump renewed his interest in Greenland over the weekend, reiterating his view that the US “needs” the island for security reasons, citing its strategic location in the Arctic and growing geopolitical competition in the region. His remarks prompted a sharp response from Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who warned that any attack by the US on Danish territory would effectively mark the end of Nato as it is currently known.

Despite the strong rhetoric, analysts say the renewed focus on Greenland reflects broader global attention on the Arctic, where melting ice is opening new shipping routes and increasing access to natural resources. The region has become an area of rising strategic importance for Nato members, including the US and Denmark, as well as for Russia and China.