Mike Baker

First up, President Trump issues a statement directly to Iranian protesters, urging them to keep up the fight and promising, quote, help is on its way.

We'll have the details.

Later in the show, Ukraine continues efforts to degrade Russia's energy infrastructure and primary revenue stream, with Kiev's forces hitting Russian oil platforms in territory that was once considered safe by Moscow.

But first, today's afternoon spotlight.

After watching Iran's leadership answer mass demonstrations across the country with bullets and communications blackouts, President Trump has a message for Iran's protesters, telling them to stay on the streets and promising that help is on its way.

Trump's statement came as Iranian authorities themselves acknowledged that roughly 2,000 people have been killed in mass demonstrations since late December.

And when the regime says the number is 2,000,

Well, it's highly likely that the number is higher.

Iran International, a Persian-language television channel based in the UK, has put the death toll closer to 12,000.

Still, because of the regime's communications blackout, it's impossible to know for sure.

Iran's internet shutdown has now stretched beyond 100 hours, making any figure difficult, if not impossible, to independently verify.

In a message posted to Truth Social this morning, Trump wrote, "'Iranian patriots, keep protesting.

Take over your institutions.'"

He urged demonstrators to document those responsible for violence, adding, "'Save the names of the killers and abusers.

They will pay a big price.'"

The president closed out his post, telling the Iranian people that, quote, help is on its way.

Now, if you're wondering what help ultimately looks like, well, that's the big question, and it remains unclear.

President Trump is expected to review options with his national security team today.

White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt told reporters yesterday that airstrikes were among the, quote, many, many options that the president is considering, though she added that diplomacy remains the preferred first step.

That said, the window for diplomacy may be closing rapidly if it hasn't already.