Inflation and a collapsing economy have pushed Iran into a phase of sustained unrest. What began as protests over rising bread prices has gradually widened into broader demands questioning the political order itself, with demonstrations reported in more than 250 locations nationwide. As authorities struggle to contain the situation at home, a parallel debate is taking shape beyond Iran’s borders: whether the country could emerge as Washington’s next strategic focus after Venezuela.
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American forces have just conducted a military operation in Venezuela, capturing President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. Before the dust could settle on that, speculation had begun about American intervention in Iran. According to a report by 'Jerusalem Post', Washington and Israel are keeping a close watch on the situation in Tehran.
American President Donald Trump issued a direct warning on 'Truth Social', saying that if Iran shoots at peaceful protesters, America will not sit quietly. We are fully prepared (Locked and loaded). Israeli intelligence agency 'Mossad' has also openly extended support to Iranian protesters.
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Meanwhile, something different can be heard on the streets of Tehran. The name of the late ruler Reza Shah Pahlavi, who is called the founder of modern Iran, is being heard from the mouths of protesters. The Islamic Revolution took place in Iran in 1979 by overthrowing the Shah dynasty. Now slogans are being raised in favour of that very Shah dynasty.
'Reza Shah, may your soul rest in peace' and 'We want Khamenei's death'—Iran's streets echo with these slogans. The protesters are demanding the resignation of current Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
According to reports by human rights organisations, at least 35 people have lost their lives in these protests so far. Khamenei's police have detained more than 1,200 people.
The situation is so dire that Khamenei has reportedly even prepared to leave the country. According to 'The Times' report, like Syria's Bashar al-Assad, Khamenei has also kept a 'Plan-B' ready to flee to Moscow with his family.
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This movement that started from the economic crisis has now completely taken the form of an anti-government rebellion. Where will it end? Will America try to take away Khamenei like Maduro? Only time can answer this. However, the wait may not be very long. Because times are changing rapidly.
