On Tuesday, protesters in Iran directly called on President Trump for support as they continue their demonstrations, which have now lasted for ten days. In a powerful image shared on social media, a woman held up a sign reading, “Trump, symbol of peace. Don’t let them kill us.”
This plea arrives amidst reports of at least 29 fatalities and over 1,200 arrests, according to the Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA). The agency indicated that the security forces have been using increased violence, including pellet guns and tear gas, to suppress the protests and have even targeted demonstrators directly.
The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) claimed that protesters have effectively taken control of the cities of Abdanan and Malekshahi. Ali Safavi, a representative of the NCRI, noted that people in these areas are celebrating and chanting against the regime, indicating a shift in the public’s fear of repression.
NCRI President-elect Maryam Rajavi also expressed her solidarity with the protesters, highlighting their success in forcing regime enforcers to retreat.
Across various states, demonstrations, strikes, and rallies have been reported in numerous cities. Reports from Ilam province indicated troubling scenarios where tear gas was deployed inside Imam Khomeini Hospital, as authorities attempted to arrest injured protesters being treated there.
Amnesty International condemned these actions, asserting that assaults on hospitals, where injured individuals seek help, breach international law.
In Tehran, similar incidents have been noted, with security forces reportedly entering hospitals and disturbing patients and their families. The ongoing unrest appears to stem from a mix of economic hardship and frustrations directed at the government, initially ignited by strikes over collapsing currency and rampant inflation.
As protests became more widespread, several markets, such as parts of Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, have reported closures due to the ongoing chaos.
Looking forward, Safavi remarked that the upcoming protests in 2025 could differ significantly, as many Iranians feel they have hit rock bottom. They recognize that their situation has deteriorated, reaching a crucial tipping point.
Meanwhile, exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has called upon Iranians in the United States to join in solidarity by chanting protest slogans on Thursday and Friday nights.
Senator Lindsey Graham cautioned Iranian leaders about the consequences of their violence against protesters, emphasizing that their actions are fraught with peril. His warning aligns with President Trump’s recent statements suggesting that the U.S. is prepared to respond to the escalating tensions in Iran.
