By Kirollos Abdalla —
The Iranian protesters flooding streets have been energized by Trump‘s Friday night ouster of Dictator Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela.
“What happened this morning in Venezuela has massively re-energized the movement in Iran,” says Iranian-UK reporter Mahyar Tousi. “People realize, Hmm, if we continue to be out there, then we can send a fighters, those who are still fighting. If people get scared and go home, then it will be difficult to expect the Americans to help.”
Day 7 of the uprising against the hated Islamist regime of Iran saw protesters burning posters of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and taking possession of a police riot van. Demonstrations erupted in more than 170 locales, including Tehran, Qom, Harsin, Lordegan and many others across at least 25-plus provinces.
Typically, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps deals with internal upheaval by spraying bullets on unarmed civilians, but so far only 15 deaths have been reported. The 86-year-old Khamenei emerged from hiding in the western part of the country and threatened his citizens: “Rioters must be put in their place… We will not yield to the enemy.”
Meanwhile the protesters are vociferously calling for his death and chanting for the exiled Crown Prince to return and take control of the country. “Long live the king!” they shouted.
Trump chimed in on Truth Social. If Iran “violently kills peaceful protesters,” the United States “will come to their rescue… We are locked and loaded and ready to go.”
Venezuela was part of Iran’s Axis of Resistance, a country frequently praised by Khomeini. Maduro was not only Iran’s economic partner, he also acquired Iranian drone and missiles. His sudden capture will send shockwaves through the nation of Iran, scaring the IRGC and encouraging protesters.
Maduro was whisked away to New York where he will be arraigned for gun and drug charges.
Reza Pahlavi, who is heir to the throne deposed in 1979, threatened Khamenei:
“We the people of Iran will pull you down from your teetering perch… and we’ll free our beloved Iran from you and your regime,” said Pahlavi, who could take over a transition government in Iran. “To the military and law enforcement forces: Do not tie your fate to the sinking ship of the Islamic Republic. Join the people and separate yourselves from this corrupt system. Your weapons are for defending the nation, not suppressing it.
“Those who fire bullets at the people should be certain that they will be identified and punished,” he added. “Fellow countrymen, do not abandon the streets. Increase your presence. The world sees your resistance and bravery and supports you.”
On the streets of Iran, a mother whose was killed by the regime, was showing her defiance to the repressive leaders by herself joining the protests and dancing.
“This is actually a a symbol of resistance,” Tousi said as he showed video footage on his channel. “This is to show the sign of strength that while her son is gone — she’s of course mourning the death of her son — but she’s not surrendering. She’s not giving up. They’re fighting back. They’re not leaving the streets.”
“The regime in Iran should pay close attention to what is happening in Venezuela,” Israel’s centrist party Yesh Atid posted on X on Saturday.
