Iran successfully defied crippling sanctions yet internal disturbances are making the country vulnerable to foreign pressure and interference in its internal affairs.
Authorities indicated on Saturday they could intensify their crackdown on biggest anti-government demonstrations in years, with the Revolutionary Guards blaming unrest on terrorists and vowing to safeguard the governing system. A day after US President Donald Trump issued a new warning that the United States could intervene, there were fresh reports of violence across the country, although an internet blackout made it difficult to assess the full extent of unrest. The exiled son of Iran’s last Shah, who has emerged as a prominent voice in the fragmented opposition, made his strongest call yet for the protests to broaden into a revolt to topple incumbent government.
Protests have spread across Iran since December 28, beginning in response to soaring inflation, and quickly turning political with protesters demanding an end to incumbent government. Authorities accuse the US and Israel of fomenting unrest and statements emanating from Washington and Tel Aviv confirm these allegations. There are clear signs of some foreign forces instigating protestors. The US-based Reza Pehalvi, 65, has said the Islamic Republic would be brought to its knees. He called for people to seize centres of their towns, and said he was preparing to return soon to Iran. On Friday, Iran’s Supreme Leader accused protesters of acting on behalf of Trump, saying rioters were attacking public properties and warning that Tehran would not tolerate people acting as ‘mercenaries for foreigners’. These extreme positions speak volumes about dangers involved if the deadlock persists for a longer duration.
