Iran Protests News: Exiled Prince Reza Pahlavi Urges Iranian Army to Join Protesters Amidst Escalating Violence

The ongoing wave of protests across Iran has reached a critical juncture, with the exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi issuing a poignant and direct appeal to the Iranian military. In a powerful message, Pahlavi has called upon the armed forces to recognize their allegiance to the nation rather than the ruling Islamic Republic, emphasizing their duty to safeguard the lives of their fellow citizens. This significant development unfolds against a backdrop of widespread unrest, where reports indicate a grim toll of over 2,000 fatalities among. Protesters, a figure acknowledged by the Iranian regime itself, though human rights organizations suggest the actual number could be considerably higher.

Reza Pahlavi's message is a direct challenge to the loyalty of the Iranian military. He asserted, "You're Iran's national army, not the Islamic Republic's. Your duty is to protect the lives of your countrymen. " This statement aims to sow dissent within the military ranks, encouraging soldiers to align with the populace rather than the regime they currently serve. Pahlavi's words carry the weight of his lineage, as the son of the last Shah of Iran,. Making his appeal a symbolic call for a return to a different form of national identity and governance. He further bolstered his message by referencing US President Donald Trump's statement, indicating that "help is coming" and that those responsible for atrocities will face justice, thereby suggesting international backing for the protest movement.

The Plight of Iranian Protesters

Across numerous Iranian cities, including Shiraz, Isfahan, Bushehr, Karaj, Ahvaz, Kermanshah, and Rasht, thousands of citizens have taken to the streets, openly chanting slogans against the authority of Supreme Leader Khamenei. These demonstrations are characterized by a fierce determination to challenge the established order. A notable aspect of these protests is the significant participation of women, who have defiantly removed their hijabs in public, throwing them onto the streets and celebrating this act of freedom through dance. This act directly confronts the strict dress codes imposed on women in Iran, where it's forbidden to appear in public without a hijab, turning a personal choice into a powerful symbol of resistance against the regime's oppressive policies.

US President Trump's Intervention

Adding an international dimension to the escalating crisis, US President Donald Trump has made a significant declaration from America, while trump has openly encouraged Iranian protesters, urging them to seize government buildings and promising that "help is coming. " He also advised demonstrators to record the names of those who have committed atrocities against them, implying future accountability. Also, President Trump has explicitly stated his refusal to engage in any dialogue with Iranian officials, while this strong stance from the US President provides a moral and potentially material boost to the protesters, signaling a clear alignment of American policy with the anti-regime movement and putting further pressure on the Khamenei government.

Escalating Death Toll and International Scrutiny

The human cost of the ongoing protests is tragically high, while the Iranian regime has, for the first time, admitted that over 2,000 people have died during the anti-government demonstrations under Khamenei's rule. However, human rights organizations dispute this figure, claiming that the actual number of fatalities is likely much higher. This discrepancy highlights the lack of transparency and the severe repression faced by those participating in the protests. The rising death toll underscores the brutal measures employed by the authorities to quell dissent, drawing increased international condemnation and calls for investigations into human rights abuses.

A Nation Divided

The protests have created a stark division within Iranian society, with government supporters and opposition groups clashing in various regions. This internal conflict isn't merely ideological but often manifests in direct confrontations on the streets. The widespread nature of the protests, spanning multiple major cities, indicates a deep-seated dissatisfaction with the current regime. The participation of diverse segments of the population, from students to women, signifies a broad-based movement seeking fundamental change. The call from the exiled prince and the support from a major global power like the United States further intensify this internal struggle, making the future of Iran highly uncertain as the nation grapples with profound political and social upheaval.