Bipartisan Support in the U.S. Congress for Popular Protests in Iran; Warning to the Regime About Suppressing Protesters

As the nationwide protests in various regions of Iran expand and intensify, prominent political figures in the United States continue to react to these demonstrations. While the nationwide anti-regime protests in Iran have reached their fourteenth day, several American lawmakers have recently expressed support for these popular protests. Previously, many American lawmakers, primarily Republicans, including Senators Ted Cruz, Lindsey Graham, and Marsha Blackburn, had supported the protests before they began, but as the scope and intensity of the protests in Iran have increased, bipartisan support in the U.S. Congress for the demands of the Iranian people has also accelerated. Jason Crow, a Democratic member of the House of Representatives from Kentucky, announced his support on Saturday for Iranians who are 'risking everything for a better future,' condemning the 'violence and intimidation' of the Islamic Republic regime. Jackie Rosen, a Democratic senator from Nevada, referred to the Iranian regime as 'the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism' and emphasized that a democratic Iran 'would make the entire world safer.' She called for the resumption of White House programs to support activists and 'restore access to the internet for the people of Iran at this critical moment.' Suzy Lee, another Democratic member of the House from Nevada, praised the 'extraordinary courage of millions of people across Iran' against the 'ruthless and oppressive regime' of the Islamic Republic, stating, 'The Iranian regime commits crimes against its own people to maintain power. This regime does not want the world to know what is happening across their country: the people of Iran demand freedom and an end to the Islamic Republic.' She emphasized support for the Iranian people's demand for freedom, stating that the world is watching. Lizzie Fletcher, a Democratic member of the House from Texas, supported the Iranian people's right to peaceful protest for a democratic government that brings them democracy, rights, and opportunities, referencing the internet shutdown and writing, 'Cutting off Iranians' communication with each other and the outside world is a disgraceful act by a government that fears its own people.' Suhas Subramaniam, a Democratic lawmaker from Virginia, also issued a statement regarding the nationwide protests in Iran, emphasizing that the Iranian people have faced human rights violations and economic turmoil for years, expressing support for the Iranian people and their aspirations for a freer and more secular future. With the surge of anti-government protests in Iran and reports of widespread demonstrations in several cities, American officials and lawmakers have expressed support for the protesting people of Iran while warning against any violence against demonstrators. Donald Trump, the President of the United States, stated on Friday, January 19, that the Islamic Republic regime is in 'big trouble in Iran. I believe the people are taking over cities that just a few weeks ago no one thought possible.' The majority of the House Foreign Affairs Committee issued a message on social media on Wednesday, January 17, stating, 'The people of Iran have bravely risen against an oppressive regime.' The message warned the ruling mullahs: 'If [the regime] in Tehran violently suppresses peaceful protesters, justice will be swiftly served against them.' The Republican majority of this committee had previously stated that the people of Iran are 'fed up with the tyrannical and bloodthirsty ayatollahs,' and it was noted that 'with the expansion of protests, the regime's hold on power is collapsing.' The committee also stated that protesters in some cities have taken control of the situation. Meanwhile, Lindsey Graham, a senior Republican senator from South Carolina, warned Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, in an interview with Fox News, saying, 'Trump is not Obama. If you continue to slaughter the people, Donald J. Trump will kill you.' Graham added in his message to the people of Iran, 'We stand with you tonight, we support you to take your country back from the ayatollahs, these religious Nazis who are killing you and terrorizing the world.' He continued, 'We pray for you and support you.' Earlier, the Persian account of the U.S. State Department on X stated, 'Despite the violence and brutal repression, Iranians courageously stand up for their rights. Their resilience against fear is a powerful cry for justice and freedom against a regime that rules through repression.' As protests and nationwide strikes against the Islamic Republic continue and government repression persists, a White House official told the Persian section of Voice of America that Donald Trump is serious about carrying out his warning against the officials of the Islamic Republic. In recent days, a new wave of protests has been reported in various cities in Iran. These developments have elicited widespread reactions from political circles in the U.S., with some officials, including members of Congress and the Senate, openly supporting the Iranian protesters.