标签： North America

In a significant escalation of tensions with Tehran, former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a forceful call for continued protests in Iran while implementing substantial economic measures against the Islamic Republic. Through his Truth Social platform, Trump directly addressed Iranian citizens with the message: “Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!!… HELP IS ON ITS WAY.” He simultaneously declared the cancellation of all meetings with Iranian officials until what he termed the “senseless killing” of protesters ceases.

The political turmoil in Iran represents the most substantial internal challenge to the country’s clerical leadership in at least three years. The protests, initially sparked by severe economic conditions, have persisted for two weeks amid a harsh government crackdown. For the first time, Iranian authorities have acknowledged the substantial human cost of the unrest, with an unnamed official telling Reuters that approximately 2,000 people have been killed during the demonstrations.

Trump’s economic offensive includes imposing 25% import tariffs on products from any nation conducting business with Iran, a significant measure given Iran’s status as a major oil exporter. The former president has also suggested that military action remains among the options he is considering to punish Iran for its handling of the protests, stating earlier this month that “we are locked and loaded.”

International reactions have been sharply divided. China immediately criticized the tariff announcement, while Russia condemned what it described as “subversive external interference” in Iran’s internal politics. The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement warning that “those who plan to use externally inspired unrest as a pretext for repeating the aggression against Iran committed in June 2025 must be aware of the disastrous consequences of such actions.”

Despite the scale of the protests and Iran’s considerable economic challenges, there are no visible signs of fracture within the country’s security elite that might threaten the clerical system that has held power since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. However, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz offered a starkly different assessment, predicting that “we are now witnessing the final days and weeks of this regime.” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi swiftly dismissed these comments, accusing Berlin of double standards and claiming Merz had “obliterated any shred of credibility.”

A tense confrontation erupted on the streets of Minneapolis as federal immigration enforcement operations faced direct public resistance. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers were observed physically extracting a woman from a vehicle during what appears to be an ongoing enforcement action in the area.

The incident quickly drew crowds of local protesters who actively confronted the federal agents, chanting demands for them to leave the community. Witnesses reported scenes of activists pursuing ICE vehicles while voicing strong opposition to the enforcement tactics. This clash represents the latest flashpoint in the ongoing national debate surrounding immigration enforcement methods and their community impact.

Minneapolis has previously witnessed similar tensions between federal authorities and immigrant communities, creating an environment where such operations frequently trigger organized responses from advocacy groups. The operation appears to be part of broader ICE efforts that have continued despite varying administrative directives.

Law enforcement analysts note these field operations typically target individuals with existing deportation orders or criminal histories, though specific details regarding this particular case remain undisclosed by authorities. Community organizations have mobilized legal support and rapid response networks in anticipation of continued enforcement actions.

A prominent Chinese international relations scholar has characterized recent US actions in Latin America and the Caribbean as indicative of diminishing global influence rather than strengthened hegemony. Professor Cui Shoujun of Renmin University’s School of International Studies presented this analysis during a recent academic event, addressing what some observers have termed a resurgence of Monroe Doctrine principles in US foreign policy.

The commentary specifically referenced the United States’ unilateral designation of Venezuela’s leadership as criminal under domestic legal frameworks, a maneuver that effectively circumvents both congressional oversight and international legal constraints. Professor Cui identified this approach as a contemporary manifestation of ‘long-arm jurisdiction’ that fundamentally violates the United Nations Charter’s core principles of sovereign equality and non-interference in domestic affairs.

According to the analysis, the persistent US treatment of Latin America as an exclusive ‘sphere of influence’ reflects obsolete colonial-era thinking that contradicts contemporary geopolitical realities. Rather than demonstrating strength, this posture reveals strategic contraction and relative power decline within the global landscape, Cui argued.

The scholar further suggested that such interventionist tactics ultimately catalyze international resistance, potentially strengthening collective commitment to UN-centered multilateralism. Latin American and Caribbean nations are consequently developing enhanced strategic autonomy and pursuing diversified international partnerships beyond traditional hemispheric alignments.

Cui contrasted the US approach with China’s vision of building a shared future for humanity, emphasizing that Chinese engagement prioritizes mutual benefit and voluntary cooperation rather than coercive influence. The evolving China-LAC relationship has notably transitioned from infrastructure-focused collaboration to include cutting-edge cooperation in green energy and digital economy sectors.

Looking forward, the professor emphasized China’s continued commitment to foundational international legal principles and cooperative maintenance of the postwar international order through multilateral engagement.