Tehran is gripped by unprecedented unrest, with streets filled by demonstrators protesting soaring inflation, rampant corruption, and government mismanagement. For over two weeks, protests have escalated into violence, claiming numerous lives according to foreign reports. Internet blackouts have persisted for nearly 36 hours, isolating the nation amid claims from Iranian officials blaming the US and Israel for fueling the chaos.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has thrown his weight behind the Iranian people, posting on social media: ‘The United States stands with the brave people of Iran.’ This statement follows President Trump’s earlier warnings and comes just a day after Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused America and Israel of instigating the demonstrations during a visit to Lebanon. The US State Department dismissed these claims as a ‘delusional attempt’ to divert attention from the regime’s mounting crises.
At the heart of the movement is Reza Pahlavi, the exiled Crown Prince of Iran, whose voice resonates strongly among protesters. In a powerful video message in Farsi, Pahlavi urged government employees to join nationwide strikes against the Islamic Republic. Praising the ‘courage’ of demonstrators who took to the streets on Thursday and Friday nights, he called for continued action to undermine the regime’s control.
Specifically targeting workers in transportation and energy sectors, Pahlavi demanded they return to the streets Saturday night and Sunday at 6 PM to oppose the government. He escalated his rhetoric, speaking of seizing city centers and preparing for a takeover. ‘Our goal is no longer just to take to the streets; it’s to capture and hold key urban centers,’ he declared. Pahlavi hinted at his own imminent return to Iran, a day he believes is ‘very close.’
As tensions boil over, the world watches closely. The protests signal deep dissatisfaction with the status quo, and international support could tip the scales. Whether this marks the beginning of the end for Iran’s current leadership remains to be seen, but the momentum is undeniable.