US: According to the Jerusalem Post, the is considering a potential involvement in Iran
US: According to The Jerusalem Post, Israeli media has received many signs that US and Israeli authorities are evaluating possible policy options in reaction to the continuing upheaval in Iran.
The talks take place in the midst of protracted demonstrations in Iranian towns and recent US activities in Venezuela that seem to have affected regional strategic assessment.
Economic difficulties, political persecution, and discontent with religious leadership have all contributed to Iran’s sporadic waves of protests. The Jerusalem Post notes that while Iranian authorities have previously been successful in putting an end to similar movements, the protesters’ continued tenacity has drawn attention from throughout the world.
The Times of Israel reported that at least 35 people had been killed in violence related to demonstrations in Iran.
According to data from the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which was cited by The Times of Israel, over 1,200 individuals have been arrested during the rallies, which have been going on for more than a week.
It claims that two members of Iran’s security forces, four minors, and 29 demonstrators had died. More than 250 venues across 27 of Iran’s 31 provinces have seen demonstrations.
According to the Iranian news agency Fars, 45 members of the all-volunteer Basij army and 250 police officers were injured during the protests.
As protests against deteriorating economic circumstances spread across many Iranian regions, US President Donald Trump said on January 2 that the US is “locked and loaded” to retaliate if Iranian authorities employ violence against peaceful demonstrators.
Trump said in a Truth Social Post that the United States of America would defend peaceful demonstrators if they are shot and killed brutally, as is their pattern. We’re loaded, locked, and prepared to go. I appreciate you taking the time to consider this.
Reza Pahlvi, Iran’s former crown prince in exile, has been actively encouraging demonstrators to oppose the Khamnei government.
He said in a Monday post on X, “Dear comrades, The shooting of Malekshahi’s courageous and honorable citizens, the murder of the city’s youngsters, and the ensuing cowardly assault on Ilam Hospital by the regime’s mercenaries are unambiguous crimes that bring to mind the 2022 Bloody Friday massacre of Zahedan. It is obvious that a dictatorship that murders defenseless youths and attacks hospitals lacks legitimacy and is coming to an end. I promise that Khamenei and the crooked, homicidal ringleaders of the Islamic Republic will be held accountable for this atrocity, and I stand with the grieving and patriotic people of Malekshahi and Ilam in solidarity and sorrow.”
Pahlvi also said to the Wall Street Journal, “I’ve stepped in to lead this transition… It’s about self-determination… freedom… rebuilding our country.”
The Middle East is in a precarious scenario as a result of Trump’s move against Nicolas Maduro, which has given Iranian demonstrators more confidence.