The political situation in Iran has worsened following reports about the extensive suppression of the latest mass protests. In Washington, Reza Pahlavi, the son of the Shah overthrown in 1979, demanded a 'targeted intervention' from the international community. He stressed that this does not require ground troops but rather support that weakens the state apparatus and speeds up the regime's collapse. Pahlavi sees himself in a unique position to lead a successor government.
At the same time, activists and human rights organizations like Amnesty International report massive violence by security forces. Hundreds of people have been arbitrarily arrested, and there are numerous fatalities. The internet remains blocked in many parts of the country, making it difficult to obtain information. An expatriate living in Hamburg gave an example of the uncertainty about the fate of her relatives back home.
On the diplomatic level, a deep division is visible. While US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demonstrate close coordination and suggest military strikes against the Iranian nuclear program as well as support for the demonstrators, Moscow warns against further escalation. According to the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin is striving for mediation to reduce tensions in the region. Russia also condemned the threats from the USA as counterproductive.
