Iran Protest: Khamenei Issues Warning, ‘Islamic Republic Is The Result Of Thousand Sacrifices, Will Never Surrender’

Time Magazine claimed that at least 217 people have died since the anti-regime protest, due to the ailing economy, erupted in Iran. The magazine quoted a doctor from Tehran that at least 217 deaths were reported in the six hospitals in the capital, most of them died by gunshot wounds.

The security forces on Thursday night opened fire at many sites after the protest escalated. Amid the ongoing violent upheaval in Iran, an officer from the Islamic Guards warned the parents to keep their children away from protests. If they are hit by bullets, the officer said in a conversation with the government TV channel, do not complain.

Earlier, the government shut down internet and phone services across the country. On the other hand, US President Donald Trump threatened Iran that if it kills protesters, the Iranian government will have to pay a heavy price as a result.

Experts fear that the government won’t hesitate to take ruthless action against the protesters as it has widened and spreaded to middle-class areas. They also raised concerns that casualties may increase in the coming days.

Iran, a FATF blacklisted country, already dealing with international sanctions, Israel challenges, water and electricity shortages and a freefalling economy, and internecine discord.

The fresh protest after 2022 poses a greater challenge for the Khamenei regime, which has been presiding over the Iranian throne for the last 37 years.

However, President Masoud Pezeshkian has displayed his soft stance in public. But many of the ministers from his cabinet are willing to launch a brutal crackdown on protesters, citing that they are influenced by US and Israel.

Crown Prince Is Preparing To Return To Iran

Many among the protesters are seen sloganeering for the repatriation of Raza Pehlavi, who appealed to intensify the movement. Additionally, some Kurds have joined the protest too, saying, “We have nothing left to lose.”

Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has announced that he will return to the country and join the ongoing protests. The 65-year-old Pahlavi has been living in exile in the United States for nearly 50 years. On Saturday morning, he said he was preparing to return to his homeland.

In a post on social media, Reza Pahlavi wrote, “I too am preparing to return to my country so that I can stand with all of you, the great people of Iran, at the time of the victory of our national revolution. I am fully confident that that day is very near.”

The Gen Z in Iran are angered over ailing economy. Last year in December, the Iranian Rial fell to its lowest ever to 1.45 million against 1 USD. Inflation in Iran is at its peak. Also, Food prices saw a massive increase of 72 per cent, while medicine prices have surged up to fifty per cent. The protest is also fuelled by the anger over the 62 per cent tax rise tabled in 2026 budget.

Iran’s Economy Is Heavily Reliant On Oil Exports.

In 2024, Iran’s total exports amounted to approximately $22.18 billion, with oil and petrochemicals accounting for a significant portion, while imports reached $34.65 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $12.47 billion.

This deficit is projected to widen further to $15 billion in 2025 due to declining oil exports and sanctions. Key trading partners include China (35% of exports), Turkey, the UAE, and Iraq. Iran exports 90% of its oil to China. Additionally, GDP growth is projected to remain low at only 0.3% in 2025

Islamic Republic Came To Power On The Blood Of the Great People

Amid the ongoing protest, the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Friday addressed the nation through Iranian government TV channel first time since demonstration began. Issuing a strong-worded warning, he said that Iran will not tolerate ‘mercenaries working for foreigners.’ He also claimed that foreign agents were fuelling the violence.

Asserting the claims, he said, “Some troublemakers in the country who want to please the American president by damaging public property, but the United Iran will defeat those enemies.”

The Islamic Republic came to power on the blood of thousands of great people, and it won’t surrender in the face of those who wish to eradicate us, he added.

He also said that Trump should focus on problems in US rather than interfering in Iran’s affairs. Khamenei’s statement came just after the threat by Trump, who said on Thursday that US would attack Iran if its security forces kill protesters.

The Khamenei Ruling Continues

Following the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khamenei came to power. He served as Supreme Leader for 10 years, from 1979 to 1989. His successor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been in power for 37 years, from 1989 to the present.

After 47 years, people, frustrated by the current economic hardship and strict religious rule, now want change. Iran is currently grappling with serious challenges such as economic crisis, high inflation, international sanctions, unemployment, currency devaluation, and ongoing popular protests.

This is why they want Reza Pahlavi to be given power. Protesters see him as a secular and democratic alternative. Young people and Gen Z believe that Pahlavi’s return could bring Iran economic stability, international acceptance, and personal freedoms.