In a powerful display of defiance, Iranian women are igniting protests by lighting cigarettes with images of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, signaling their deep-seated anger and demand for change.
Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s ousted Shah, has emerged as a rallying figure, calling for citizens to escalate protests and occupy city centers, while demanding international support to challenge the regime.
As protests intensify, the Iranian army pledges to safeguard public property, yet the government’s response has been increasingly brutal, with public prosecutors threatening the death penalty for those engaged in violent dissent.
Khamenei has sought to deflect blame for the unrest, attributing it to foreign influences, particularly targeting US officials like Donald Trump and labeling protesters as "vandals."
Amid fears of regime collapse, reports suggest that Iranian officials are exploring escape options, with Khamenei purportedly planning a route to flee to Russia.
The situation on the ground reflects a significant turning point, as widespread discontent over civil liberties and economic struggles could reshape Iran's political future.