by Alex Winston
"Your presence in the streets across Iran has kindled the flame of a national revolution," the royal wrote in a message shared on X/Twitter.
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Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi issued his strongest backing for the protests spreading across Iran on Tuesday night with a message to his followers on social media.
"Your presence in the streets across Iran has kindled the flame of a national revolution," the royal wrote in a message shared on X/Twitter. "The continuation and expansion of your presence, and taking control of the streets, is today our foremost, vital priority.
"I call upon the people of Iran to join in with the nationwide strikes and protests: government employees, workers in the energy and transportation sectors, truck drivers, nurses, teachers and academics, artisans and entrepreneurs, retirees and those who have lost their savings—everyone, unite and join this national movement."
Protests in Iran continued through the night into Wednesday morning, with large crowds gathering throughout the country, chanting pro-monarchy slogans.
"The Shah will return to the homeland, and Zahhak (the despot) will be overthrown," and "This is the final battle! Pahlavi will return," were among the chants heard in videos sent to The Jerusalem Post.
Iran’s prosecutor general warned on Wednesday that authorities would respond firmly if economic protests were transformed into unrest or attacks on public property.
Mohammad Movahedi-Azad said protests driven by economic hardship were understandable and should be pursued through lawful means. However, he cautioned against what he described as organized attempts to hijack legitimate grievances.
He said the state would not tolerate what he called the “systematic manipulation” of protests, citing the role of coordinated media activity, misleading narratives, and the involvement of individuals who disrupt public order.
Protests are now into their fourth day after the bazaaris (merchant class) closed their shops on Sunday and took to the streets to protest the country's dire financial situation. The market value of $1 reached 1.4 million rials, when its official value is 42,000 rials.
Videos emanating from Iran have shown security officials firing tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters, while in some cases crowds have managed to drive away regime security. A large security presence was seen via video in the city of Karaj on Wednesday morning.
Tehran officials also closed the province down on Wednesday, with education moving online, in what authorities claim is a move against cold weather and energy constraints.
Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi's message to the people of Iran
The crown prince's full message to the Iranian people reads:"My courageous compatriots,
Your presence in the streets across Iran has kindled the flame of a national revolution. The continuation and expansion of your presence, and taking control of the streets, is today our foremost, vital priority.
I call upon the people of Iran to join in with the nationwide strikes and protests: government employees, workers in the energy and transportation sectors, truck drivers, nurses, teachers and academics, artisans and entrepreneurs, retirees and those who have lost their savings—everyone, unite and join this national movement.
Across Iran: Tehran, Karaj, Qazvin, Rasht, Sari, Gorgan, Semnan, Bojnord, Mashhad, Birjand, Zahedan, Kerman, Yazd, Shiraz, Bandar Abbas, Bushehr, Yasuj, Ahvaz, Shahrekord, Isfahan, Khorramabad, Ilam, Kermanshah, Sanandaj, Urmia, Tabriz, Ardabil, Zanjan, Hamedan, Arak, and Qom.
I ask Iranians abroad—from Australia and East Asia to Europe and North America—to redouble your activities within the framework of the “Rise Iran” campaign to amplify the voice of the Iranian people to the media, international institutions, foreign governments, and parliaments.
Iran and its streets belong to the Iranian nation. And we will be victorious, because we are united and we are many.
Alex Winston
Source: https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-881879
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