The U.S. Calls for Global Support for the Demands of the Iranian People

On Friday, January 8, the spokesperson for the U.S. State Department condemned the arrest of protesters and called for support from all countries worldwide for the Iranian people's demands for their fundamental rights and an end to corruption. Heather Nauert stated, "We are following reports of multiple peaceful protests by Iranian citizens in cities across the country. Iranian leaders have turned a wealthy country with a rich history and culture into a rebellious and weak nation, whose main exports are violence, bloodshed, and chaos. As President Trump has said, the greatest victims of Iranian leaders are the Iranian people themselves." She added, "The United States condemns the arrest of peaceful demonstrators by the Iranian government. We urge all countries to publicly support the Iranian people and their demands for basic rights and an end to corruption." The spokesperson emphasized, "On June 15, 2017, Secretary of State Tillerson stated in Congress that he supports 'elements within Iran that lead to a peaceful change of government.' Those elements are certainly there, as we know. The Secretary of State today reiterates his deep support for the Iranian people." Over the past two days, protests against the government and economic conditions have been held in various cities in Iran, including Tehran, Mashhad, Ahvaz, Qom, Kashmar, Quchan, Nishapur, and Kermanshah. Initially, several cities in Khorasan Province, including Mashhad and Nishapur, witnessed gatherings of people protesting against rising prices and inflation. Following the intervention of security forces, the protest in Mashhad turned violent, and police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the protesters. In this context, the head of the Revolutionary Court in Mashhad announced the arrest of 52 protesters in Mashhad. Hassan Heydari, the prosecutor of Mashhad, stated that he considers the protest a right of the people and citizens, but nonetheless labeled the participants as "a group of disruptors" who had shouted "harsh slogans." Meanwhile, protests were also held on Friday in several cities, including Tehran, Kermanshah, Quchan, Isfahan, Rasht, Ahvaz, and Qom. On Friday, the Deputy Security and Police Chief of Tehran Province also reported the arrest of several protesters in one of Tehran's squares. According to videos published on some Telegram channels, the protesters shouted slogans such as: "Death to the dictator," "Either death or freedom," "Political prisoners must be freed," "The nation begs, the clerics rule," "Seyyed Ali, forgive us, you must rise now," and "Don't be afraid, don't be afraid, we are all together." Other slogans included "You have made Islam a ladder, you have made the people miserable," "Reza Shah, may your soul rest in peace," "What a mistake I made by revolting," "Police, go catch the thief," "Neither Gaza nor Lebanon, my life is for Iran," and "Don't be afraid, don't be afraid, we are all together." In this context, the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives stated: "It is important to support peaceful protests in Iran." Khavand noted: "The people see no prospect for getting out of the economic situation." Protests have occurred in several cities in Iran; protesters have been arrested in Tehran and Kermanshah. The First Vice President of Rouhani commented on the protests in Mashhad: "Economic issues are just an excuse." 52 people were arrested in a protest in Mashhad. Truck drivers also protested in Zanjan. The police confronted the protesters; the governor of Mashhad stated that several were arrested. The changing battlefield of 'proxy actors'; a war against the people in the streets of Iran. The Iranian crisis; the responsibility of the opposition and the possibility of radicalizing Iranian society. The death of the last Mossad representative in Tehran amid the Iranian crisis. Internet shutdown in Iran has surpassed 300 hours; reports of 'evidence' of the deaths of injured individuals under treatment. The death of the last Mossad representative in Tehran amid the Iranian crisis. Accounts from three witnesses about the situation in Isfahan Province; 'like war-torn areas.' Trump emphasized 'stopping executions in Iran': we do not know what will happen in the future. Trump announced an agreement to hold a meeting about Greenland in Davos.