Newshour Iran: Pahlavi calls for more protests
Jan 10, 2026
Sanam Vakil, a Middle East expert and Director at Chatham House, analyzes Iran's ongoing protests and the implications for regional politics. She highlights the increasing scale of unrest and the brutal state crackdowns, stressing the significance of internet blackouts. Vakil discusses Reza Pahlavi's influence among protesters, warning that the ‘crown prince’ title could mislead perceptions of potential democratic transitions. She also identifies critical indicators to watch, including elite splits and the regime's repressive measures.
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Widespread Protests Amid Communication Blackout
- Iran is experiencing some of its most intense nationwide protests in years amid internet and phone blackouts.
- State media and videos show toppled Soleimani statues and chants calling for Reza Pahlavi's return.
Pahlavi Urges Strikes And Occupations
- Reza Pahlavi urged strikes in key sectors and called for protesters to seize and hold city centres from 6pm over multiple days.
- He framed the actions as moving beyond protests to readiness for control of public spaces.
State Signals Zero-Tolerance Response
- Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei warned the regime will not back down and invoked martyrs to justify a hard response.
- State messaging signals an uncompromising crackdown against what it calls 'saboteurs.'