In Iran, protests have emerged in support of Reza Pahlavi, the son of the former Shah, as citizens seek to challenge the current government. Critical issues like a declining currency, soaring inflation at 50%, and rampant corruption have motivated people to hit the streets in hopes of sparking change.
The ongoing unrest has reportedly caught the attention of the Trump administration, leading to a meeting arranged for Pahlavi with Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff.
President Pahlavi addresses Jerusalem prayer breakfast attendees
Pahlavi also spoke at the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast hosted at Mar-a-Lago last week. He urged attendees to pray for the protesters in Iran, expressing a hope that they could bring down the “evil regime.” “We need your prayers more than ever, and we will do our part. Thank you for your solidarity and support. Hopefully, when we succeed, we will hold the next prayer breakfast in Tehran,” he said.
Trump initially encouraged Iranians via posts on Truth Social to continue their protests, claiming “help is on the way!” He emphasized their need for support from the U.S. in order to drive meaningful change. “They don’t have weapons or formal organizations,” noted Iranian-American journalist Risa Daftari.
A poll indicated that 47% of U.S. voters believe that the Iranian people could successfully overthrow the Ayatollah, which seemed to invigorate the protests. There was also buzz that the Pentagon was in communication with the largest air base in the Middle East, adding to the sense of urgency among demonstrators.
In response to the unrest, the Iranian government has shut down internet services, effectively stifling communication among its 90 million citizens. The regime has also cut off mobile phone and landline services while increasing violence against protesters.
President Trump’s policy change
Subsequent reports indicated that Trump had shifted his stance. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu contacted him, essentially suggesting he hold off on any military action against Iran. On the same day, Trump asserted, “very important sources” had informed him that Iran had ceased killing dissidents.
He said, “I’ve been told the killings are stopping in Iran and there are no plans for executions.” This statement was met with disbelief by many, who felt they were being misled. “Everyone was furious,” an Iranian who left the country shared. “They kept saying this bastard used us as cannon fodder. Iranians feel fooled.”
Russia’s reaction to the Iranian unrest
Meanwhile, Russia, a close ally of Iran, has been observing the situation carefully. Although largely mute, the Russian Foreign Ministry recently implied that the protests could yield serious consequences for both the Middle East and international security.
Telecommunications in Iran are gradually being restored, making it somewhat easier to gather information about the protests. SMS services have resumed, though there is no clear timeline for when full internet access will return.
On Saturday, the U.S. State Department mentioned reports suggesting that Iran was “preparing options to target” U.S. military installations. In response, they reiterated that all options remain available, warning that an attack on U.S. assets would elicit a powerful reaction. “Do not play games with President Trump,” they emphasized.
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