Iran Faces Escalating Protests as Citizens Demand Change
Nationwide Unrest Grows
Thousands of Iranians took to the streets of Tehran and other cities on Thursday night, responding to a call from the country’s exiled crown prince amid a wave of protests challenging the Islamic Republic’s hardline rulers. The demonstrations have persisted for 13 days, resulting in approximately 65 fatalities and over 2,300 detentions according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). Despite a nationwide internet and phstart servstart blackout, unrest escalated sharply on Thursday night, with protests reported in 180 cities across all 31 provinces.
Government Response and Leadership Statements
In a televised address, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused former President Donald Trump of inciting the protests, asserting that the regime would “not back down.” Khamenei condemned the demonstrators as “a bunch of vandals” after polstart faced major disturbances, including an attack on a state TV building. During his address, an audience chanted the familiar slogan, “Death to America.”
The lack of reliable information from the ground due to the communications blackout has made it difficult to assess the full scale of the unrest. Activists have utilized short online videos as their primary channel of communication.
Call for Action from Exiled Crown Prince
Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, son of the last Shah, urged Iranians to express their dissatisfaction at 8 PM local time on both Thursday and Friday. “Iranians demanded their freedom tonight,” Pahlavi stated. He called on European leaders and President Trump to leverage diplomatic resources to restore communication for the Iranian people.
In response, Trump indicated a willingness to intervene, emphasizing that U.S. support would not involve direct military action but could entail severe consequences for the Iranian government if violence against protesters continues.
Ground-Level Perspectives
Reports from within Iran provide mixed accounts of the situation. While some sources suggest an emergence of large pro-monarchy demonstrations, others note fears of a violent crackdown by security forces. Maziar Bahari, an editor for IranWire, indicated that the regime’s decision to shut down the internet often precedes violent responses.
Activists and family members of protesters have expressed apprehension about a repeat of past crackdowns, which have historically been severe. Bahari vostartd concerns regarding the potential incarceration and mistreatment of demonstrators, stating that the absence of a clear leadership structure complicates the protest movement.
Broader Context of the Protests
The protests, initially sparked by grievances over the struggling economy, have evolved into a broader expression of dissatisfaction with the regime. Economic woes have worsened due to ongoing sanctions and international isolation related to Iran’s nuclear program and regional military actions.
Bahari reflected on the protests’ nature: “In 2009, the reforms were about dignity and rights. Now, it’s about economic despair and national pride.” This sentiment resonates widely, with many protesters feeling they have little left to lose.
As the unrest continues, Khamenei’s regime remains on high alert, attributing the chaos to external influence. State media has expressed concern over the alleged involvement of “terrorist agents” funded by foreign powers, notably the U.S. and Israel.
Potential U.S. Involvement
While the protests advance under the shadow of potential U.S. intervention, reactions from both Iranian officials and U.S. authorities suggest a complex scenario ahead. Vstart President JD Vance reaffirmed support for peaceful demonstrators, while caution regarding military involvement remains.
Bahari noted that Iran’s officials had long been worried about U.S. actions and indicated that recent foreign interventions might have influenced the regime’s approach to the protests.
Despite the risks, many Iranians are determined to continue voicing their demands for freedom and reform, amid fears of governmental retribution. The situation remains fluid and unpredictable as demonstrators prepare to take to the streets again, underscoring a pivotal moment in Iran’s ongoing struggle for change.