WASHINGTON (TNND) — President Donald Trump encouraged Iranians to continue their protests in a post on Truth Social, assuring them that “help is on the way.”
The demonstrations, which began in response to Iran’s economic struggles, have evolved into widespread anti-government protests targeting the Islamic Republic’s leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. According to multiple reports, these protests are among the largest and most widespread in years, affecting all 31 provinces of Iran.
Reuters reports that tens of thousands are participating in the protests, with the National Council of Resistance in Iran noting that demonstrations are occurring in at least 190 cities. An Iranian official cited by Reuters stated that at least 2,000 protesters have been killed. Human rights groups claim thousands have been killed and jailed since the protests began in December.
The unrest in Iran has significant implications beyond its borders, affecting regional security, energy markets, proxy wars, and global diplomacy. Experts say the immediate concern is not a regime collapse but rather the potential for unpredictable escalation as Iran’s leadership seeks to maintain control domestically while projecting strength internationally.
Iran’s involvement in the Middle East is extensive, with financial and military support for groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Palestine, and the Houthis in Yemen. From 2012 to 2018, Iran spent $16 billion supporting the Assad regime and its other terror partners in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon, and the Palestinian territories. Estimates from the State Department indicate that Hezbollah alone receives about $700 million annually from Iran, making it the country’s top proxy. Iran also provides weapons, drone technology, and training to these groups.
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