Reza Pahlavi has lived nearly 50 years in exile, and now, against the backdrop of protests in Iran, he is working harder than ever to end them and return to Iran. For him, the return "home" is under one title – Crown Prince of the Persian Empire. How did the child born into luxury become a leader spurring protests from afar and promising a new future with Israel?
The Trump administration is holding daily, high-level consultations on a wide range of possible actions against Iran, with options on the table ranging from kinetic military strikes to cyber operations and sweeping economic pressure.
Dr. Goldie Ghamari tells Israel Hayom that mass demonstrations represent hope unseen in 47 years, as Iranians call for Trump to strike the regime while Revolutionary Guards hide weapons in religious sites.
According to The New York Times, President Donald Trump is considering a strike and has been presented with a range of options, from targeting non-military sites to attacking Iran’s security services.
The Iranian army is signaling that it may join the efforts to suppress the protests. In a statement, the military said it was operating “under the command of the Supreme Leader,” adding that alongside monitoring “enemy movements in the region,” it would act to safeguard “national interests and public property.”
A doctor in Tehran told TIME magazine, speaking on condition of anonymity, that at least 217 killed protesters were found in just six hospitals in the Iranian capital, most of them by live fire. The magazine noted that the figures could not be independently verified.
The call by the deposed crown prince for Iranians to take to the streets has put the regime under pressure, with large contingents of police and Basij forces seen in city centers across the country. Reports claim that the death toll from the protests has risen to 45.
In interview with Le Figaro, reporter Emmanuel Razavi claims the ayatollahs have grown concerned over the "true revolution," and some senior officials have already begun laying the groundwork by exploring an exit route to France. President Massoud Pezeshkian is "seeing part of his entourage defect, making contact with foreign services."
Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu offered a rare and unverified glimpse into Israel's covert activities on Thursday. "When we attacked in Iran during 'Rising Lion' we were on its soil ... I can assure you that we have some of our people operating there right now," he says, but notes that Israel not working to topple regime.
Traditional markets remain closed in Tehran and beyond as authorities promise prosecution of demonstrators protesting currency crisis.
