 "Iran unrest: Anti-govt street protests erupt in Tehran, some marchers shout 'Pahlavi will return'")
As the massive anti-government protests take over Iran, some demonstrators have been calling for the return of the Shahs in the West Asian nation. Iran has plunged into a nationwide protest as the country’s economy takes a major hit. What has been garnering attention of the world is the fact that some of the protesters appeared to be heeding a call by exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi.
On Thursday, the Iranian opposition leader Reza Pahlavi said that “millions of Iranians demanded their freedom tonight”. He went on to thank US President Donald Trump, calling him “the leader of the free world, for reiterating his promise to hold the regime to account”. The remarks from the exiled prince came before his reported visit to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence next week.
Millions of Iranians demanded their freedom tonight. In response, the regime in Iran has cut all lines of communication. It has shut down the Internet. It has cut landlines. It may even attempt to jam satellite signals.
— Reza Pahlavi (@PahlaviReza) January 8, 2026
I want to thank the leader of the free world, President…
The unrest has been triggered by the rising cost of living and collapsing currency. Clashes were reported in several locations, and mounting concern over the scale of the crackdown by security forces. Amid the chaos, a nationwide internet blackout was reported in the West Asian nation on Thursday.
Trump gets involved
The Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights said Iranian security forces have killed at least 45 protesters, including eight minors, since demonstrations began in late December. In light of this, Trump on Thursday reiterated that the US will hit Iran “very hard” if it starts killing protestors.
“If they start killing people, which they tend to do during their riots, they have lots of riots. If they do it, we’re going to hit them very hard,” Trump said in an interview with the Hugh Hewitt Show. “They’ve been told very strongly, even more strongly than I’m speaking to you right now, that if they do that, they’re going to have to pay hell,” he added.
Quick Reads
View AllMeanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance said that the American supports peaceful protestors worldwide, including in Iran. “We certainly stand by anybody who’s engaged in peaceful protests … who are advocating for their rights,” he told reporters at a news conference at the White House.
He stressed the importance of negotiations about Iran’s nuclear program, adding that the “smartest thing” for Tehran is “a real negotiation” with the US on its nuclear program. It is pertient to note that the Iranian authorities are yet to release official figures about casualties, but the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) said in a report published Wednesday, marking the 11th day of protests, that at least 38 people were killed, including four members of security forces. The agency also reported dozens of injuries and 2,217 arrests.
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