Tehran [Iran]: Iran’s former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who lives in exile, on Sunday urged anti-government protesters to remain on the streets, saying their sustained demonstrations have significantly weakened the regime’s repressive machinery.
In a video message posted on X, the 65-year-old son of the late Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi praised protesters for their courage, claiming that security forces are facing shortages and that several armed and security personnel have disobeyed orders to suppress demonstrations.
Pahlavi alleged that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei views the Iranian people as enemies, while relying on what he described as a minority of violent mercenaries. He warned that those involved in suppressing protesters would face consequences and called on citizens to gather at 6:00 pm on Sunday, advising them to move in groups and avoid side streets for their safety.
He further said that Iranians protesting inside the country have strong support from compatriots abroad and claimed that the international community stands with what he termed Iran’s “national revolution.” Pahlavi specifically mentioned US President Donald Trump, saying he has closely observed the protests and expressed readiness to help.
“Do not abandon the streets. My heart is with you. I know that I will soon be by your side. We will take back Iran,” Pahlavi said.
Meanwhile, a New York Times report said President Trump has recently been briefed on a range of military options targeting Iran, including possible targeted strikes on select sites in Tehran linked to the regime’s internal security apparatus. The report said the briefings are part of contingency planning as the US administration assesses diplomatic, economic, and military tools to deter further violence by Iranian authorities.
The ongoing protests began on December 28 following a sharp collapse of Iran’s national currency, the rial. Iran’s Tasnim News Agency reported that the spokesperson of the Constitutional Council blamed recent violent unrest on foreign interference exploiting peaceful protests to destabilise security.
Anti-government demonstrations continued for the 14th consecutive day on Saturday, spreading across multiple cities as authorities tightened security. The Iranian leadership has accused the United States of fuelling unrest, claiming foreign incitement turned peaceful protests violent, a charge Washington has denied.
Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, in a letter to the UN, accused the US of bearing direct responsibility for riots and violent acts in Iran, condemning what he called Washington’s “illegal behaviour” and alleged coordination with Israel to undermine Iran’s stability.
