United States monitors Iranian demonstrations closely, says Trump

US President Donald Trump said that the United States was monitoring Iranian demonstrations closely.

United States warns against any new “massacre” as protests broke out after Iran admitted to shooting down a passenger plane.

Iran said earlier it unintentionally downed a Ukrainian airliner outside Tehran, killing all 176 people aboard, in an abrupt about-turn after initially denying Western claims it was struck by a missile.

The firing came shortly after Iran launched 15 missiles at Iraqi bases housing US troops.

President Hassan Rouhani said a military probe into the tragedy had found “missiles fired due to human error” brought down the Boeing 737, calling it an unforgivable mistake.

Armed Forces’ internal investigation has concluded that regrettably missiles fired due to human error caused the horrific crash of the Ukrainian plane & death of 176 innocent people.
Investigations continue to identify & prosecute this great tragedy & unforgivable mistake. #PS752

— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 11, 2020

In tweets in both English and Farsi, Trump told Iranians that he stand by them and is monitoring the demonstrations.

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دولت ایران باید به گروه‌های حقوق بشر اجازه بدهد حقیقت کنونی اعتراضات در جریان مردم ایران را نظارت کرده و گزارش بدهند. نباید شاهد کشتار دوباره ی معترضان مسالمت آمیز و یا قطع اینترنت باشیم. جهان نظاره گر این اتفاقات است.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 11, 2020

“To the brave, long-suffering people of Iran: I’ve stood with you since the beginning of my Presidency, and my Administration will continue to stand with you,” he tweeted.

To the brave, long-suffering people of Iran: I've stood with you since the beginning of my Presidency, and my Administration will continue to stand with you. We are following your protests closely, and are inspired by your courage.

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— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 11, 2020

“There cannot be another massacre of peaceful protesters, nor an internet shutdown. The world is watching,” he added.

The government of Iran must allow human rights groups to monitor and report facts from the ground on the ongoing protests by the Iranian people. There can not be another massacre of peaceful protesters, nor an internet shutdown. The world is watching.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 11, 2020

He apparently referred to an Iranian crackdown on street protests that broke out in November.

“We follow your protests closely, and inspired by your courage,” he said.

The new demonstrations follow an Iranian crackdown on street protests that broke out in November.

Amnesty International has said it left more than 300 people dead.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau demanded that Iran provide “full clarity” on the downing of the plane.

Ottawa says the dead included 57 Canadians.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also offered his condolences over the loss.

He also ordered the armed forces to address “shortcomings” so that such a disaster does not happen again.