For the past 12 days, the protests in Iran have evolved into a full-blown revolution. On Thursday night, a large number of Iranians took to the streets, vocally opposing Khamenei's rule. Amidst the turmoil, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had the internet shut down across the nation, severing international telephone connections.
The protests on Thursday were in response to an appeal by exiled Prince Reza Pahlavi. Following his call, masses began chanting from their windows and pouring onto the streets. In recent days, the protests have resulted in 45 deaths, prompting Trump to threaten intervention.
U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated that should the Iranian regime target the protesters, America will respond decisively. In an interview, Trump stated, 'I've informed them that if they begin killing people as they did during their riots, we will retaliate forcefully.'
Trump further warned that any coercion against protestors by Iran would lead to showing the regime the path to hell.
In a message to the anti-government protestors in Iran, Trump urged, 'Stand firm for freedom... You are courageous people. It's regrettable what has happened to your nation. Your country was once a great nation.'
When asked if he would meet with Reza Pahlavi, the former Shah's son, Trump said he currently has no plans to do so. He remarked, 'I've seen him; he seems like a good man, but I don't think now is the appropriate time.'
He went on to say, 'I believe everyone should join the fray and see which leader emerges in the end.'
Last year, from June 13 to June 24, Iran and Israel were embroiled in a fierce conflict. Both nations have a long-standing enmity and deny each other's existence. Under the support of its close ally America, Israel targeted Iran's nuclear program in a preemptive strike, which prompted a retaliatory response from Iran.
During the final two days of this war, America joined the fray, inflicting heavy damage on Iran's nuclear program. The attacks by the U.S. and Israel severely impacted Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities in Iran.
America is once again eyeing an offensive against Iran, raising the question of whether Israel will support an American operation against Iran. The answer lies within the statement of Israel's ambassador to the U.S., Mike Huckabee, who noted that if America attacks Iran, Israel will support them.
Ambassador Huckabee told KAN News on Thursday that Israel will make its own decision regarding resuming aerial strikes on Iran.
Huckabee added, 'I believe during the recent meeting between President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu, they discussed this issue. I think any step in this direction will be mutually decided through consultation.' Trump and Netanyahu met last week at Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.
Meanwhile, a report by the French newspaper Le Monde states that Israel has approved a new attack plan against Iran.
Astrong wave of protests has swept across Iran, including its capital Tehran. On the previous night, protesters set several mosques ablaze in Tehran. They also set fire to multiple buildings.
During the protests, people are chanting that prosperity will not return to Iran until the mullahs' rule ends. Shouting 'Freedom, Freedom,' they demand Khamenei's removal from power.
The movement, sparked by the severe drop in the Iranian Rial and soaring inflation, quickly transformed into anti-government demonstrations. Over 100 cities across all of Iran's 31 provinces are witnessing these protests.
