Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the last Iranian Shah and a U.S.-based opposition leader, called on the international community Friday to support protesters seeking to overthrow the government of Iran. Speaking at a news conference in Washington, Pahlavi specifically urged 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 stated his confidence that "the Islamic Republic will fall - not if, but when," and has emerged as a prominent figure within the Iranian opposition. He has previously encouraged Iranians to intensify their protests.
Demonstrations in Iran began on December 28 over economic grievances and have since evolved into broader calls for the end of the rule of Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei. According to a human rights group, more than 2,600 protesters have been killed in the government crackdown. Iranian authorities have labeled the protests as "riots" instigated by the country's enemies.
The government's response to the protests has included deadly force and a near-total shutdown of internet and communication services. The situation highlights the ongoing tensions between the Iranian government and segments of its population, as well as the fragmented opposition seeking political change.
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