Protests Ignite in Tehran Amidst Political Turmoil
Tehran has found itself in turmoil as anti-government protests erupt, with parts of the capital set ablaze. Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, has pointed fingers at President Donald Trump, alleging foreign influence behind what he labels a rebellion.
In response to the unrest, authorities shut down internet and phone services across large areas of Iran on Friday. This action followed widespread sharing of videos depicting buildings and vehicles ablaze in Tehran and other urban centers. During a televised speech, Khamenei labeled the protesters “subversives,” attributing their actions to Trump’s encouragement. He firmly stated that the Islamic Republic would not yield to what he termed chaos instigated by the U.S.
“The Islamic Republic was established through the sacrifice of countless honorable individuals. We will not retreat in the face of destruction,” Khamenei asserted.
Conversely, President Trump remarked on Truth Social that Iran’s second-largest city appeared to be “under the control of protesters,” sharing documentation of the demonstrations. Meanwhile, UN Ambassador Mike Walz emphasized that the United States stands with the Iranian populace in their pursuit of fundamental rights and dignity, stating, “We are watching.”
The protests began in December, stemming from deteriorating economic conditions due to U.S. sanctions. They escalated after a 12-day conflict with Israel in June. Shopkeepers and merchants initially took to the streets after inflation surged past 40% and the national currency plummeted against the dollar.
Tensions heightened Thursday night when exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi appealed to citizens to protest. Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah, who was overthrown in the 1979 revolution, called for action.
Demonstrations reportedly continued overnight, with protesters chanting “death to the dictator” and holding large marches, as seen in videos circulating on social media.
Earlier this month, Trump warned that if Iran “violently kills peaceful protesters,” the U.S. would “come to their rescue.” He also suggested that military action could be considered if Iran attempted to revitalize its nuclear program, asserting, “We are locked, loaded, and ready to go.”
Khamenei responded to Trump’s statements, saying, “The president of the United States has stated that he will support the insurgents. They are relying on him. If he is as capable as he claims, he should manage his own country.”
Pahlavi has since urged Trump for “attention, support, and action,” stressing that many Iranians faced life-threatening violence during protests amidst a communications blackout. He warned that Khamenei might exploit this blackout to inflict further harm on young demonstrators.
“You have proved to be a man of your word,” Pahlavi said regarding Trump, urging him to intervene on behalf of the Iranian people and encouraging larger crowds to weaken the regime’s grip on power.
Reports from human rights organizations indicate a rising death toll, with over 40 fatalities and more than 2,000 arrests by security forces. Attorney General Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei threatened that consequences for rioters would be “resolute and maximum without leniency.”
