Intensified Protests in Iran as Demonstrators Call for Support
Over the last day, protests have escalated across Iran, with demonstrators voicing their dissent against the regime and directly appealing to President Donald Trump. In footage shared on Wednesday, protesters in Tehran symbolically renamed a street after Trump, while another video showcased a handwritten message pleading, “Please don’t let them kill us,” as reported by Iran International.
Holly Dagles, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute, noted on social media that many Iranian protesters have expressed gratitude towards Trump since he publicly addressed their protests. This sentiment was exemplified by the street renaming.
These appeals come amid a heightened crackdown from authorities, including the deployment of armed forces and the use of tear gas near key civilian sites in Tehran.
Leadership Response and Historical Context
Exiled opposition leader Reza Pahlavi remarked that the ongoing unrest presents a significant chance to dismantle the Islamic Republic. “We’ve never had an opportunity like this in Iran’s history,” he said during an interview on “Hannity.” He emphasized the unprecedented scale of the protests, stating that Iranian citizens are more resolute than ever in their desire for change.
Pahlavi pointed out that protests have now spread to over 100 cities, underscoring the participation of the traditional merchant class, which he described as a crucial turning point. He mentioned, somewhat cautiously, that the number of defectors from the regime is beginning to increase, suggesting that the regime may be on the brink of collapse.
Protests, Strikes, and Rising Tensions
According to Iran International News Agency, unrest and strikes have continued within the last 24 hours, impacting cities like Tehran, Tabriz, and Shiraz. The Grand Bazaar in Tehran has become a focal point for protests, where large crowds raised their voices against the leadership while authorities responded with tear gas and armed forces.
Security measures have also expanded to vital civilian locations, with videos showing tear gas being deployed near Tehran’s Sina Hospital and Prasco Shopping Center.
The situation is escalating in terms of casualties as well. Reports indicate at least 36 deaths, including both protesters and security personnel, with over 2,000 arrests. However, the Iranian government has not released official figures recently.
Footage from the previous day depicted protesters igniting fires in Shiraz while chanting slogans such as “Death to Khamenei,” directed at the Supreme Leader. In Qazvin, demonstrators insisted on law enforcement siding with the state.
Additionally, workers have joined forces in the uprising, marked by a strike at the South Pars gas refinery and closures in major markets across Tehran and Tabriz.
