Iran Protests Spread Across Provinces Amid Government Crackdown

Iran is experiencing widespread anti-government protests across at least 17 of its 31 provinces, with verified video footage showing demonstrations in over 50 towns and cities. The protests, which began on December 28, were initially sparked by a sharp devaluation of the Iranian currency but have since taken on an anti-state tone, with protesters chanting slogans against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the clerical establishment. The government has responded with force, with at least 11 people confirmed dead and human rights groups reporting up to 35 fatalities. Experts warn that the security forces' heavy-handed response could exacerbate the situation, deepening popular resentment and potentially leading to further unrest.

At least 29 protesters have been killed as anti-government demonstrations spread across Iran for a 10th day, according to a U.S.-based rights group. The protests began in Tehran over soaring inflation and have since spread to over 250 locations in 27 provinces. The Iranian government has reacted angrily to President Trump's veiled threat of U.S. armed intervention, while trying to quell the unrest with security forces and measures aimed at showing sympathy with the protesters. The U.S. State Department has condemned specific incidents in Iran, but the chances of an American intervention remain unclear.

The article discusses the parallels between Venezuela and Iran, two countries that have been subject to US sanctions and have been targeted by the Trump administration. Recent protests in Iran have been met with a crackdown by the government, and the US has issued threats against the country, warning that it will respond if protesters are killed. Iran's leaders are concerned about the potential for US military action, given the recent operation in Venezuela where US forces captured President Nicolas Maduro. The article highlights the differences between the two countries, with Iran being a theocratic republic and Venezuela being a socialist and secular regime. Iran may be better prepared for potential US action, having built a network of armed proxy groups and developed its military capabilities. Experts warn that even if a regime change is attempted, it may not yield the desired results, and that the situation in Venezuela will be closely watched as a potential precedent.

Iranian protesters have issued a direct appeal for help from President Donald Trump as nationwide unrest enters its tenth day, with reports of at least 29 deaths and over 1,200 arrests. The protests, driven by economic desperation and political anger, have spread across dozens of cities in multiple provinces. The opposition group National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) claims that two cities, Abdanan and Malekshahi, have been 'taken over' by protesters. The international community, including US lawmakers, has taken notice of the situation, with Senator Lindsey Graham warning Iran's leadership of 'serious consequences' for continued violence against protesters.

The Trump administration's Persian-language messaging has emboldened Iranian protesters, according to activists and analysts. The State Department's Persian-language account has intensified its criticism of Iran's regime since nationwide protests began, mirroring President Trump's forceful warnings to Tehran. The account's messaging has been seen as a stark warning to Iran's totalitarian rulers, with Trump stating that the US is 'locked and loaded' to aid protesters if they are violently suppressed. Analysts note that this approach is in contrast to previous administrations, particularly Obama and Biden, who faced criticism for their muted responses to Iran protests during their administrations.

Protests have been ongoing in Iran for over a week, sparked by a worsening economic crisis and exacerbated by US sanctions and recent strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Demonstrations began on December 28 and have since spread to over 257 locations in 27 provinces, with at least 29 people dead and over 1,200 detained. Protesters are now calling for wider political change, with some chanting anti-government slogans and attempting to storm government buildings. The Iranian government has responded with a mix of repression and attempts to address protesters' grievances, including offering to set up a dialogue with protest leaders. The US has also become involved, with President Trump warning Iran against violently suppressing the protests.

Protesters in Iran's capital Tehran clashed with security forces at the Grand Bazaar, a centuries-old marketplace, as demonstrations against the country's ailing economy continued for the fifth day. The protests, which began on December 28, have resulted in at least 36 deaths and over 2,000 detentions, according to activists. The Iranian government has responded with force, firing tear gas to disperse protesters. The economic situation is expected to worsen as Iran's Central Bank reduced subsidized exchange rates for dollars, leading to price hikes. President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged the crisis may be beyond the government's control and called for a government investigation into incidents involving the protests.

The article discusses the ongoing protests in Iran and argues that the US, under President Trump's leadership, should provide maximum support to the Iranian protesters to help overthrow the current regime. The author suggests that the US should pair its existing 'maximum pressure' policy with a clear commitment to crippling the Islamic Republic through support for the Iranian people. This includes using American cyber and intelligence capabilities to degrade the regime's repression apparatus, enabling secure communications for protesters, and surging non-kinetic support. The article highlights the vulnerability of the Iranian regime and the opportunities for the US to amplify protest messaging and coordinate information campaigns around key moments on the Iranian calendar.