Amid ongoing protests in Iran and the violent suppression of demonstrators, Iran affairs analyst and Radio Ran manager Rani Amrani warned that this represents a critical moment not only for the Iranian people but also for Israel and the entire region. He said that if Israel and the West do not act now, the window of opportunity to topple the Iranian regime could close for many years.
In a conversation with Israel Hayom, Amrani said the scale of violence is far broader than what has been reported in the media. "There is evidence of more than 2,000 dead, despite an almost complete internet shutdown. The regime is shooting civilians in the streets and snatching bodies to hide the real numbers," he claimed. According to him, "Only a few manage to get information out, some through Starlink."
He also said that even small-scale protest attempts are immediately crushed. "The regime doesn't allow even a gathering of a few people. Drones fly in the air and disperse any assembly the moment it forms," he said.
Amrani, who was born in Tehran and is well known in the country due to his media activities, said that members of minorities – especially Jews – are at risk and particularly fearful in recent days. "In situations like these, Jews must demonstrate loyalty to the regime and keep a low profile," he explained. "They can't go out to protests; otherwise, they'll be accused of espionage or connections to Israel."
According to him, the option of fleeing Iran for Israelis barely exists at this stage. "They're not giving out passports, flights have been canceled, and whoever does manage to leave is forced to abandon all their property behind," he claimed.
Calling on the West
On the regional level, Amrani believes that confrontation with Iran is inevitable and must happen now. "Khamenei is old and stubborn; he won't give up. He's willing to kill thousands to save the regime, and another round with Iran is expected – with or without protests," he stated.
This is also where the direct call to Israel and the US comes from. "If, after everything happening now, Israel and the West don't intervene, it's hard to believe the Iranian people will dare to take to the streets again. It's now or never," he declared. According to him, "Toppling the regime is not only for the Iranian people – it's also a clear Israeli interest. Any government that comes after will be less extreme, more pro-Western, and will distance itself from the China-Russia axis."
According to him, the window of opportunity that has opened now could close quickly. "The decision made now will affect the Middle East for years to come," he warned.
"Where are all the protesters in the West?"
Amrani, who was born in Tehran and fled with his parents' help to Israel, recently posted an Instagram photo that sparked confusion. In a post published on his official account, he appeared dressed in an Iranian military uniform, apparently at the Iranian border guard, which was later revealed to be part of a scene he filmed in Israel for a Hollywood movie.
