Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the last Iranian shah, urged the international community on Friday to support Iranian protesters seeking to overthrow the current government. Speaking at a news conference in Washington, Pahlavi called on the world to target the leadership of Iran's Revolutionary Guard, arguing that such action would "facilitate our task and prevent more loss of life."
Pahlavi, a U.S.-based opposition leader, expressed confidence that "the Islamic Republic will fall - not if, but when." His appeal comes as protests that began on December 28 over economic grievances have evolved into widespread calls for the end of the rule of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei.
According to a human rights group, more than 2,600 protesters have been killed in the demonstrations. The Iranian government has characterized the protests as "riots" instigated by Iran's enemies.
Pahlavi has emerged as a prominent figure within the fragmented Iranian opposition. He has previously encouraged Iranians to escalate their protests. However, authorities have responded to the demonstrations with deadly force, accompanied by widespread internet and communication service shutdowns.
The protests initially erupted in response to rising inflation and economic hardship. They quickly expanded to encompass broader demands for political and social reform, challenging the authority of the Supreme Leader and the theocratic system of government.
The Iranian government maintains that the protests are fueled by foreign interference and are not representative of the Iranian population's views. State-controlled media outlets have portrayed the protesters as violent agitators disrupting public order.
The United States and other Western nations have condemned the Iranian government's response to the protests and have imposed sanctions on Iranian officials accused of human rights abuses. However, they have stopped short of providing direct military or financial support to the protesters.
The current status of the protests is difficult to ascertain due to the government's restrictions on media coverage and internet access. While large-scale demonstrations have become less frequent, sporadic protests and acts of civil disobedience continue to occur throughout the country. The future trajectory of the protests and their potential impact on the Iranian government remain uncertain.
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