Nationwide Protests in Iran; Prince Reza Pahlavi Describes Protests as “United National Opposition to the Islamic Republic”
As nationwide protests in Iran have expanded from Khuzestan to other provinces, Prince Reza Pahlavi described these protests in a message as “united national opposition to the Islamic Republic.”
On Sunday, August 25, he wrote on Twitter: “Compatriots from across Iran, from Khuzestan and Lorestan and Isfahan to Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari and Azerbaijan and Khorasan, have taken to the streets and are chanting united national opposition to the Islamic Republic.”
According to Prince Reza Pahlavi, “It is the duty of us Iranians in Iran and around the world to chant the echo of this solidarity louder than yesterday, every day.”
According to Voice of America reports, protests over water shortages began eleven days ago in some cities in Khuzestan province, but now residents of other provinces have joined the ranks of protesters, and simultaneously anti-Islamic Republic slogans are being raised in various parts of Iran.
On Sunday, Hassan Rouhani, Iran’s president, claimed that behind “the Khuzestan events,” “the tainted hands of enemies and the incitement of some domestic factions” are evident.
In recent days’ protests, several people have been killed, including in Khuzestan and Lorestan, and many have been arrested in various cities.
However, Hassan Rouhani said: “Civil protest is a fundamental right of all citizens and managers have a duty to listen to protests.”
In another report, Hossein Salami, commander of the Revolutionary Guards, described the presence of protesters in the streets as “the enemy’s wish” and said Khuzestan had “regained its vitality” because, according to him, people in Khuzestan “quickly separated their ranks from elements linked to the enemy.”
Khuzestan province faced a severe security situation on Saturday, the tenth consecutive day of water shortage protests.
Also, reports received on Friday, August 1, indicate power outages in Ahvaz, Susangerd, Ramhormouz, and some other areas, and internet access has also faced disruptions and interference in some of the provinces where protests have been taking place.
