Iran Crisis Deepens as Protesters Advance on Two Cities, Seek Trump’s Support

Iranian protesters have issued a direct appeal to former President Donald Trump as nationwide demonstrations continue to intensify across the country for the tenth consecutive day. In a widely shared image on social media platform X, a female demonstrator held a sign reading “Trump, a symbol of peace. Don’t let them kill us,” highlighting the growing desperation among protesters.

The unrest has grown increasingly deadly, with at least 29 fatalities and more than 1,200 arrests reported by the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). Security forces have escalated their response, deploying pellet guns, tear gas, and direct physical force against demonstrators in multiple provinces.

In a significant development, the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) claims protesters have effectively “taken over” two western cities – Abdanan in Ilam province and Malekshahi. “Today there was a major development in two cities in Western Iran that have been effectively taken over and people are actually celebrating in the streets,” Ali Safavi told Fox News Digital. “They were chanting, ‘Death to Khamenei!'”

“Despite everything the regime has done, the fear factor seems to have shifted because people have made the suppressive forces flee,” Safavi added, suggesting a potential turning point in the protesters’ resolve.

NCRI President-elect Maryam Rajavi praised the demonstrators in these cities, stating they had “drove the regime’s enforcers into retreat.” This represents a rare instance of protesters gaining temporary control over urban areas in Iran’s ongoing civil unrest.

The situation has grown particularly alarming in medical facilities. In Ilam province, reports indicate security forces fired tear gas inside Imam Khomeini Hospital while attempting to arrest wounded protesters. Amnesty International condemned the action, stating: “The Iranian security forces’ attack on a hospital in Ilam, where injured protesters are seeking medical care or shelter, violates international law.” Similar concerning accounts emerged from Tehran, where security forces reportedly entered Sina Hospital, creating fear among patients and families.

The current wave of protests represents a complex mix of economic grievances and political discontent. What initially began as labor strikes and merchant protests over currency collapse and severe inflation has evolved into widespread street demonstrations involving various segments of society, including students.

Economic disruption continues to spread, with parts of Tehran’s Grand Bazaar and major commercial centers in Mashhad either partially or fully closed in recent days, further straining Iran’s already fragile economy.

“What makes the 2025 protests different to before is that the knife has reached the bone for Iranian citizens,” Safavi explained. “People feel they have nothing anymore and have reached a breaking point.”

The demonstrations have attracted attention from international figures, with exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi urging Iranians to participate in coordinated protest chants on Thursday and Friday evenings, potentially amplifying the movement’s visibility.

U.S. political figures have also weighed in on the situation. Senator Lindsey Graham warned Iran’s leadership that continued violence against protesters could bring serious consequences, noting that regime leaders should understand they act “at their own peril.” His comments followed a statement from Trump on his social media platform Truth Social, where the former president declared the U.S. was “locked and loaded and ready to go” amid the rising protests.

The current unrest represents one of the most significant challenges to Iran’s ruling establishment in recent years, with protesters demonstrating unusual resilience despite the regime’s increasingly harsh crackdown. As the situation continues to evolve, international observers remain concerned about potential escalation and the humanitarian impact of the ongoing violence.

Human rights organizations continue to call for restraint from Iranian security forces and protection of civilian lives as the demonstrations show no signs of abating after ten days of sustained unrest.