Iranologist says Iran’s deposed shah’s son positions himself as protest leader to win Trump’s support

Unrest and clashes between protesters and security forces continued across Iran overnight, though with less intensity than the previous night, Expert on Iranian Studies Vardan Voskanyan says.

“Firearms were once again used by both sides, resulting in fatalities and injuries, and arson incidents were recorded. Verified information about the unrest has emerged from Tehran, Mashhad, Karaj, and Zahedan. U.S. President Donald Trump has now, for the fourth time, warned that Iran would face a severe response in the event of killings. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron’s office issued a joint statement by the leaders of France, the United Kingdom, and Germany condemning Iran’s authorities, signaling that European countries do not wish to remain on the sidelines of developments surrounding Iran.

The son of Iran’s deposed shah has addressed protesters in a video message, calling on them to take to the streets and remain there around the clock, while promising to return and stand by their side. It is evident that he seeks to present himself as the main leader of the protests and to secure the support of the U.S. president, thus causing discontent among other opposition forces in the Iranian diaspora.

Internet access remains shut down across Iran, though Iranian media outlets periodically regain access in order to disseminate news and information. Overall, the situation carries significant risks but remains within the authorities’ capacity to control,” Voskanyan writes.