Iran’s nationwide anti-government demonstrations have escalated into a fiery stage, with direct appeals for the United States to intervene. Protesters not only chant anti-government slogans in the streets, but also directly appeal to the US President for help, leading to the appearance of “Trump Street” in various locations in the capital city of Tehran.
According to Iran International, images have shown Tehran protesters symbolically renaming several streets to “Trump Street” and even covering existing street signs with Persian language signs reading “Trump Street.”
The shift of Iranian protesters towards seeking help from Trump is largely inspired by the recent events in Venezuela. Last Saturday, US special forces successfully captured Nicolás Maduro and extradited him to New York, sparking celebrations among the Venezuelan people waving American flags.
This real-life example has provided a glimmer of hope for the long-suffering Iranian people. In videos circulating on social media, several protesters are seen tearfully pleading in English directly to the camera, saying, “President Trump, please save us like you saved Venezuela! We are being slaughtered, please send troops to end this nightmare.”
The protesters firmly believe that only Trump’s “maximum pressure” and decisive action can truly cut off the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) from their suppression funds, preventing them from repeating the cycle of slaughter.
In line with the public’s expectations, the Iranian regime’s repression has become increasingly brutal. The 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei delivered a hardline speech on Saturday, labeling the protesters as “mercenaries” and ordering security forces to crack down harshly.
Currently, security forces have deployed armed units in major civilian areas of Tehran and have been seen releasing tear gas near Sina Hospital and shopping centers in Tehran. According to human rights organizations, at least 36 people have died (including 34 protesters and 2 security officials) since the protests began, with over 2,000 people arrested nationwide.
Despite the regime’s tough stance, reports of high-level wavering have emerged. According to sources such as The Times, Tehran’s top ranks appear to have activated emergency plans, including the possibility of key members, including Khamenei and his inner circle, following a precedent set by former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, seeking refuge in Russia if necessary.
Iran’s exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi emphasizes that this turmoil presents a “historic opportunity” to end the Islamic Republic. Pahlavi notes that protests have spread to over a hundred cities, with the strike initiated by merchants at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar becoming a turning point in the regime’s collapse.