Iran’s escalating protests have now garnered enough momentum that they’re no longer a domestic issue for the Iranian Government alone to deal. With protests ongoing for two weeks, diplomatic undertones, as well as overt political statements, indicate that world leaders are actively adjusting their approach toward the situation.
Meeting Between US Envoy Steve Witkoff & Reza Pahlavi
Reports say US envoy Steve Witkoff had a discreet meeting with exiled Iranian crown prince Reza Pahlavi as protests heated up-the first known outreach to opposition figures since unrest started, though officials have not publicly detailed the discussions.
Quiet US Outreach to Iran’s Opposition
According to US officials, a private meeting was conducted during the weekend between Steve Witkoff, a White House emissary, and Iranian exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi. This is the first known attempt by the Trump administration at a high level within Iranian opposition circles over the course of the protests that have been ongoing for over 15 days. However, President Donald Trump has been quite outspoken regarding the Iranian protests. Through social media platforms, he has encouraged the Iranian people to continue with the protest activities as he assured them that support would follow.
European Pressure & Sanctions in Motion
Europe has been quick to respond to the violence after Iran cracked down on their citizens. The European Union summoned the ambassador of Iran to their capital, Brussels, due to rising concern about killings and arrests. European Commission President Ursula von Der Leyen has asserted that new sanctions on Iran will be imposed due to the disturbing violence seen in the country.The number of citizens seen as dead or imprisoned has been established by human rights activists at thousands.
Protests Spill into European Streets
The public outcry is not only confined within the Iranian territory. In Milan, hundreds of people showed solidarity with the Iranian protesters. They used the lion and sun flag which was used before the Iranian revolution of 1979. Some Iranian protesters removed the logo of the authority of the Islamic Republic from the Iranian flag before they tore the flag apart. In Rome, people projected the lion and sun logo of the former royal government of Iran.
Who is Reza Pahlavi
Reza Pahlavi is the son of the last Shah of Iran, has been in exile since the Islamic revolution overturned the Shah’s rule in Iran in 1979. While operating out of the United States, Reza Pahlavi has long called and campaigned for a secular and democratic Iran, but with little success in gaining mass support in Iran. This might be the turning point since Reza’s recent plea to stage rallies in Iranian neighbourhoods at specific times has been an unprecedented effort to consolidate the protests and bring them all together. Iran’s rising inflation rate above 40% and the Iranian currency’s collapse are now testing Reza’s position as an interim leader in the most severe way ever.
