‘Death to Khamenei’ chants ring out across Iran, diaspora as unrest continues to grow - Shir Perets

 

by Shir Perets

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has described the ongoing protests as “unimaginable,” urged authorities to “treat this disease” rather than “erase the issue.”

 

Placards are seen during a march in support of the people of Iran by members of the American-Iranian community in in Los Angeles on February 14, 2026.

(photo credit: Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images)

 

Nighttime chants of anti-government slogans were reported across several Iranian cities on Saturday night, after exiled crown prince and Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi called for a “Global Day of Action” to support what he has dubbed Iran’s “Lion-and-Sun Revolution.”

Videos and eyewitness accounts shared by Iran International described chants from rooftops and windows in Tehran and other major cities, hours after large rallies by Iranians abroad voiced support for protesters inside the country.

Residents across Iran were heard chanting slogans including “Death to the dictator” and “Death to Khamenei,” Iran International reported, alongside monarchist chants. 

Iranians living in Cyprus chant slogans during a rally, marking the Global Day of Action for Iran, to support Iran's Lion and Sun Revolution, outside the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, Cyprus February 14, 2026 (credit: REUTERS/YIANNIS KOURTOGLOU)

The reports came as the Islamic Republic faces renewed scrutiny over its security response to unrest and restrictions on information flows.

ویدیوی رسیده به ایران اینترنشنال نشان می‌دهد مردم تهرانسر در استان تهران شامگاه شنبه از خانه‌های خود شعار «مرگ بر دیکتاتور» سر دادند. pic.twitter.com/GA03w5d6rt

— ايران اينترنشنال (@IranIntl) February 14, 2026

Detentions, hospitals, and pressure on medical staff

The head of Iran’s Medical Council, Mohammad Raiszadeh, said 33 medical workers had been detained during the protests and that 11 had been released so far, according to Iran International.

He described detention of medical staff for performing professional duties as a “red line,” amid separate allegations of security pressure on health workers and violence against protesters in hospitals.

Iran International also quoted President Masoud Pezeshkian as describing the ongoing protests as “unimaginable,” urging authorities to “treat this disease” rather than “erase the issue.” 

ویدیوی رسیده به ایران اینترنشنال نشان می‌دهد مردم تهرانسر در استان تهران شامگاه شنبه از خانه‌های خود شعار «مرگ بر دیکتاتور» سر دادند. pic.twitter.com/GA03w5d6rt

— ايران اينترنشنال (@IranIntl) February 14, 2026

He added that officials had come “to solve people’s problems, not to add to their burden,” and said “the mentality in our society is wounded,” according to the outlet.

Separately, Iranian lawmaker Hamid Rasaei, a Tehran representative in parliament, called for an investigation into why the internet was not disconnected before the unrest of January 8 and 9, Iran International reported.

A report by the rights organization Article 19 said Iran’s digital repression reflects more than a decade of technology transfer and adoption of China’s cyber governance model, according to Iran International. 

The report alleged Beijing provided surveillance and filtering capabilities and promoted an authoritarian “cyber sovereignty” framework that has become central to Iran’s online controls.

Shir Perets

Source: https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-886673

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