Son of Former Iranian Monarch Urges Demonstrators to “Seize” Urban Centres

Son of Ousted Shah Calls on Iranians to “Seize” City Centres Amid Nationwide Protests.

Protests across Iran have entered their third week, initially sparked by rising inflation but quickly turning into anti-government demonstrations calling for clerical leaders to step down. Reza Pahlavi, son of the ousted Shah, urged demonstrators on Saturday to “prepare for seizing the centres of cities and holding them,” praising the large turnout on Friday and calling for more organized protests over the weekend.

The Iranian army said it would protect strategic infrastructure and public property while urging citizens to foil “enemy plots.” Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei condemned the unrest, calling protesters “vandals” and insisting the Islamic republic would “not back down.”

US President Donald Trump warned Tehran against harming demonstrators, signaling potential punitive measures while stopping short of military intervention.

At least 62 people have reportedly died since the protests began. Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi warned that security forces might be preparing a “massacre under a communications blackout.” State media reported a municipal building in Karaj was set on fire and aired funerals for security personnel allegedly killed in Shiraz, Qom, and Hamedan.