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The Iranian government faced significant internal pressure, with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei confronting the largest protests in years, which he labeled as foreign-backed sedition. President Masoud Pezeshkian warned against "rioters and terrorists" at a large pro-government rally, while officials claimed the situation was now under control. Concurrently, exiled former crown prince Reza Pahlavi emerged as a prominent voice calling for the regime's end, claiming to have a transition plan and urging international support and nationwide strikes. Internationally, the United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting, urging restraint, while Iran stated it was open to talks based on mutual respect. The government also indicated a conditional willingness to resume nuclear negotiations.
International tensions escalated sharply, centered on a heated exchange between Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and Donald Trump over the protests. Khamenei blamed the U.S. for inciting unrest, while Trump called for new leadership and threatened military action if Iran did not negotiate on its nuclear program. Diplomatic channels remained tense but open, with Iranian and U.S. officials exchanging conditions for talks, though Iran consistently refused to negotiate under threat. A significant European move saw the EU designate Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization, prompting strong condemnation and promised retaliation from Tehran. Regionally, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed support for the Iranian protesters, leading to a sharp Iranian rebuke, while Turkey and Pakistan urged diplomacy and opposed foreign intervention.
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Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last shah, has become a central figure in discussions about Iran's future, publicly calling for the fall of the Islamic Republic. He has urged international intervention and specifically sought support from President Trump, though Trump has questioned his influence. Pahlavi has stated that a future democratic Iran would recognize Israel and combat terrorism, drawing criticism from Iranian media.
20 topics | 991 sources
Jan 30 — Jan 29
Iran's leader blames Trump for deadly protests as tensions rise at the United NationsIran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei accused Trump of inciting violent protests in Iran that reportedly killed thousands of people. Khamenei called Trump a 'criminal' and said the U.S. president was responsible for the casualties and damage. Trump responded by saying it was 'time for new leadership' in Iran and questioned the domestic support for Reza Pahlavi, an exiled opposition figure. The U.S. told the United Nations Security Council that 'all options are on the table' regarding Iran, while Iran warned it would respond to any aggression and filed a complaint with the UN over Trump's remarks. At the UN, a Chinese envoy warned that military action would push the region into an 'unpredictable abyss,' and a U.S. envoy, Steve Witkoff, indicated a preference for diplomacy. Iran's foreign ministry said Tehran was 'studying' U.S. proposals while also stating it had evidence the U.S. and Israel were involved in the unrest.
Jan 31
Iran accuses the United States of inciting violence and rejects nuclear talks under threatIran has filed a formal complaint with the United Nations, accusing Trump of inciting violence and making military threats against the country. Iran's UN envoy said Trump's rhetoric would escalate regional tensions, and Foreign Ministry spokesperson Araghchi said the US 'must be held accountable' for interference. Iranian officials, including Araghchi, stated there has been no recent contact with US envoy Steve Witkoff and that Tehran will not negotiate with the United States under pressure or threat. They said talks on a nuclear deal would only be possible on a 'fair and equal footing,' while also warning they are prepared to resist any US attack. Trump stated that Iran wants to negotiate and that he is planning to hold talks, but also warned that 'time is running out' for a nuclear deal. The US envoy to the UN said all options remain on the table regarding Iran. Other countries, including Turkey and China, have called for dialogue to reduce tensions.
Jan 31 — Jan 29
Trump calls for new leadership in Iran as Rubio warns about regime change complexityPresident Trump said it is time to look for new leadership in Iran, calling for a change in the country's government. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also banned senior Iranian officials and their families from entering the United States. Rubio told a Senate hearing that no one knows who would replace Iran's leadership if it fell, warning that regime change there would be far more complex than in Venezuela. Reports also say Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Trump to delay a potential U.S. military strike on Iran.