Tehran, Iran – Popular protests in Iran entered their sixth consecutive day, spreading to 13 major cities. This comes amid an unprecedented escalation in international and domestic political rhetoric. While human rights sources reported a rising death toll, the opposition and Washington issued firm messages to the Iranian regime.
Trump: The United States is on “high alert”.
US President Donald Trump issued a strongly worded warning via Truth Social, declaring that the United States is closely monitoring the situation and is on “high alert.” Trump stated unequivocally: “If Iran fires on and violently kills peaceful protesters, the United States will intervene to help them,” indicating that the option of international protection for civilians is now seriously under consideration.
Reza Pahlavi: “You are making history.”
In a moving message to the Iranian people, Prince Reza Pahlavi described the protesters killed by government forces as “true heroes of this land.” He affirmed that their names would forever be etched in the national conscience.
Pahlavi saluted the brave people throughout the country, from Lorestan and Isfahan to Tehran and Khorasan. He said, “You are making history… a history written by the courage and solidarity of a nation reclaiming its homeland.” He also called on Iranians at home and abroad to “unite and honor the martyrs of the national uprising.” He stressed the need to focus on the common goal until “the day of Iran’s liberation,” concluding his appeal by saying, “Remain united… victory is ours.”
Bloody field toll and arrests
On the ground, reports from the Hengaw Human Rights Organization and media sources revealed that at least seven protesters were killed by direct fire from Revolutionary Guard and security forces, particularly in the cities of Azna, Lordegan, and Marvdasht.
Authorities also launched a widespread arrest campaign, detaining at least 29 citizens in the past few hours. Among them were seven women transferred to Evin Prison and two 16-year-old children. This came amid reports of partial service disruptions and the extensive use of tear gas and live ammunition to disperse protesters outside local government buildings.
