Iran teeters on the edge of turmoil as widespread protests enter their third week, sparked by economic woes and accusations of corruption. Casualties mount amid clashes, with internet services crippled for over a day and a half. Tehran accuses Washington and Tel Aviv of orchestrating the disorder, but the US fires back with vocal solidarity for the demonstrators.
In a succinct yet impactful post on X, Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed America’s stance: ‘United States supports Iran’s brave people.’ This follows sharp rebukes from President Trump and rebuttals to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s allegations made in Lebanon. A State Department spokesperson labeled Araghchi’s words as misleading propaganda aimed at obscuring the regime’s failures.
Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi emerges as a pivotal figure, rallying supporters with back-to-back messages. His latest video exhorts civil servants to launch strikes across the country, building on nights of fervent street protests. He lauded the protesters’ bravery and encouraged persistence in eroding governmental authority.
Addressing transport and energy workers directly, Pahlavi outlined a bold strategy: mass demonstrations Saturday evening and Sunday at dusk. He shifted focus from mere protests to strategic occupation of city hubs, signaling preparations for a coup. ‘We’re readying to return to our homeland,’ he stated confidently, predicting the regime’s collapse is near.
The developments underscore a regime under siege, with external endorsements amplifying internal dissent. Global observers note the protests’ evolution from economic grievances to existential challenges against the Islamic Republic. Pahlavi’s return could galvanize a new era, but risks of crackdown loom large.
