Iran's supreme leader has declared war on the swelling protest movement, vowing to crush the dissent with a harsh crackdown. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei described protesters as "vandals" and "saboteurs", accusing them of working on behalf of foreign agendas, particularly the United States.
The protests, which started over economic conditions, have since expanded into demands for political reform and an end to the regime's rule. The movement has grown in all provinces, with thousands taking to the streets overnight, defying a nationwide internet shutdown and escalating crackdown.
Protesters are now facing brutal treatment at the hands of security forces, who have used motorbikes to drive into crowds, targeting the eyes and injuring many. Rights groups describe the situation as "brutal".
The regime has also tried to discredit protesters, alleging that they are agents of Israel's Mossad intelligence agency. However, this only seems to be fueling the protests' resolve.
Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's late shah, has become a rallying figure for the movement, with chants in his support ringing out across the country. Pahlavi himself has called for further demonstrations, despite facing criticism from some quarters about his legitimacy as a leader.
The US president, Donald Trump, has weighed into the conflict, suggesting that Khamenei was preparing to flee Iran and that he should "get out". However, this only seems to have emboldened protesters in their demands for reform and an end to corruption.
As the situation continues to escalate, it remains to be seen how long the protests will continue and whether the regime's crackdown will ultimately succeed in crushing dissent. One thing is clear: Iran's protesters are determined to fight for their rights and freedoms, and they will not back down without a fight.
The protests, which started over economic conditions, have since expanded into demands for political reform and an end to the regime's rule. The movement has grown in all provinces, with thousands taking to the streets overnight, defying a nationwide internet shutdown and escalating crackdown.
Protesters are now facing brutal treatment at the hands of security forces, who have used motorbikes to drive into crowds, targeting the eyes and injuring many. Rights groups describe the situation as "brutal".
The regime has also tried to discredit protesters, alleging that they are agents of Israel's Mossad intelligence agency. However, this only seems to be fueling the protests' resolve.
Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's late shah, has become a rallying figure for the movement, with chants in his support ringing out across the country. Pahlavi himself has called for further demonstrations, despite facing criticism from some quarters about his legitimacy as a leader.
The US president, Donald Trump, has weighed into the conflict, suggesting that Khamenei was preparing to flee Iran and that he should "get out". However, this only seems to have emboldened protesters in their demands for reform and an end to corruption.
As the situation continues to escalate, it remains to be seen how long the protests will continue and whether the regime's crackdown will ultimately succeed in crushing dissent. One thing is clear: Iran's protesters are determined to fight for their rights and freedoms, and they will not back down without a fight.
the situation in Iran is getting super intense! I feel so bad for those protesters who are risking their lives to demand change. The pics of security forces on motorbikes attacking crowds are just heartbreaking 
. And I'm low-key impressed by Reza Pahlavi becoming a rallying figure for the movement - it's like, his fam connections or whatever but also he seems to genuinely care about Iran's people 
.
. Anyways, I'm keeping an eye on this situation - it'll be interesting to see if protesters keep pushing for reform and the regime can actually handle the momentum 
... I mean, the idea of using motorbikes to drive into crowds is just insane 
... and accusing protesters of being agents of foreign agencies? that's like trying to deflect from the real issues 
. Reza Pahlavi might be a bit of a wildcard, but at least he's speaking truth to power 
... and honestly, if Trump thinks Khamenei is preparing to flee, maybe that's what they should be worried about 
... anyway, it feels like things are only gonna get more intense from here 
it's like, how can one leader declare war on an entire country just because of economic issues? 
and now they're accusing protesters of being foreign agents? 
that's just ridiculous! The brutality against the protesters is absolutely heartbreaking 
I mean, people getting their eyes injured by motorbikes? 
he's like a modern-day hero for standing up for the Iranian people and calling out corruption 
I just hope his legitimacy as a leader isn't called into question by some folks 
but honestly, who can blame him for wanting to lead a country that's been oppressed for so long? 
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the protests will continue to grow in strength and that the government will eventually listen to their demands. We should all be cheering them on, sending love and support from afar! 
Come on, let's get real here... the protests in Iran are getting out of hand and it's only a matter of time before things spiral completely outta control 
. I mean, think about it - thousands of people taking to the streets, defying internet shutdowns? That's just asking for a disaster waiting to happen 
. And let's not forget Reza Pahlavi getting involved - I don't trust him one bit, he's just trying to stir up more trouble 
. I'm calling it now: this whole thing is gonna end in a massive bloodbath 
and we'll all be left wondering how things went so wrong 
.
.
it's wild that the supreme leader is basically saying protesters are vandals and saboteurs, but at the same time they're trying to discredit them by saying they work for foreign agendas 
anyone thinking of heading to Iran is gonna be put through hell, fam 
. I feel bad for Reza Pahlavi, though - he seems like a brave guy just trying to bring attention to the people's demands. The US president's comments might've been a good move, but I'm not sure it's gonna do much in stopping the regime's crackdown 
. And what's with accusing protesters of being agents of Israel? That's just gonna fuel more anger and resentment, imo 
. Reza Pahlavi might be a legit leader in some people's eyes, but others are like "hold up, let's not get too caught up in the drama" 
. But seriously, the fact that chants are ringing out across the country in support of him just shows how determined people are to bring about change.
. 'Ayatollah Ali Khamenei' sounds like a Bond villain - "I'll crush you with my harsh crackdown!" 
. They're using motorbikes to drive into crowds and injuring people, it's just crazy! And the regime trying to discredit them by saying they're working with foreign agencies, come on... that's just a distraction from their own failures 
, he's speaking truth to power and calling out the regime's corruption. The US president weighing in isn't helping, though - it feels like they're just fueling the fire