Reza Pahlavi, the US-based son of Iran’s deposed Shah, has urged protesters to remain on the streets, assuring them that he would soon stand by their side as demonstrations against the Iranian leadership intensify.
Addressing protesters as “my compatriots,” Pahlavi said their continued presence on the streets for three consecutive nights had “severely weakened” Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s repressive machinery.
“Reliable reports have reached me indicating that the Islamic Republic is facing a serious shortage of mercenaries to confront the millions of people in the streets,” Pahlavi said in a post on X. He claimed that many armed and security personnel had either abandoned their posts or refused orders to suppress protesters.
“What remains for Khamenei is a minority of violent mercenaries who, like their criminal leader, are non-Iranian and anti-Iranian, and who consider you—the great nation of Iran—their enemy,” he said, warning that those involved in violence would face consequences. Pahlavi also cautioned demonstrators against moving alone and advised them to avoid side streets that could put their lives at risk.
“You are not alone,” he said. “Iranians around the world are proudly amplifying your voice. The world today stands with your national revolution and admires your courage.” Referring to US President Donald Trump, Pahlavi said the American leader had closely followed the protests and expressed readiness to help. “Do not abandon the streets. My heart is with you. I know I will soon be by your side,” he added.
Protests intensify amid crackdown
Despite an intensified crackdown, including an Internet blackout, protests against the Khamenei-led regime have grown stronger over the past several days. Human rights organisations have reported dozens of deaths, while Internet monitoring group NetBlocks said Iran has had virtually no Internet connectivity since Thursday.
The unrest began about two weeks ago amid economic hardship caused by sanctions and last year’s conflict with Israel, but has since evolved into a nationwide movement demanding the removal of the current leadership.
Trump signals support
US President Donald Trump said Iran was in “big trouble” over its handling of the protests and that Washington was ready to assist. “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
According to a report in The New York Times, Trump has recently been briefed on options for possible military strikes, though US officials said no final decision has been taken.
Khamenei hits back
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei dismissed Trump’s remarks, warning that powerful rulers throughout history had fallen at the height of their arrogance. “The US President has said that if the Iranian government does such-and-such, he will take the side of the rioters,” Khamenei said on X. “If he is so capable, he should manage his own country.”
He added that the Islamic Republic, established through the sacrifice of hundreds of thousands of people, would not retreat in the face of what he described as destructive forces.
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