US Vice President JD Vance to Lead National Security Meeting on Iran Amid Ongoing Protests

WASHINGTON: US Vice President JD Vance will chair a National Security Council meeting on Wednesday to discuss the rapidly evolving situation in Iran, where mass demonstrations continue amid economic instability and political unrest.

The meeting, set for 4pm Eastern Time (2100 GMT), will include senior officials from the NSC. It is not yet confirmed whether President Donald Trump will participate, though he may call in from Air Force One while returning to Washington from Detroit, where he spoke publicly on economic issues.

Earlier Tuesday, Trump publicly encouraged Iranian anti-government demonstrators to persist in their protests, stating on Truth Social, “Iranian Patriots, keep protesting—take over your institutions!!! Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price. I have cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials until the senseless killing of protesters stops. Help is on its way. MIGA!!!” The acronym “MIGA” is a play on Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan, adapted for Iran.

When asked by reporters about the specifics of the aid to be provided to protesters, Trump declined to elaborate, saying, “You’re going to have to figure that one out, I’m sorry.”

Iran has seen weeks of widespread demonstrations fueled by a deteriorating economy and the rapid depreciation of the rial. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency estimates that at least 646 people, including security forces and protesters, have died, with over 1,000 others injured.

The National Security Council meeting chaired by Vance is expected to review the US response to the protests and evaluate diplomatic and strategic options as the unrest continues to escalate.