Iran protests spread nationwide as Pahlavi says regime is ‘collapsing’

As fiery demonstrations continue to spread across the country, the Iranian regime is facing one of the most widespread anti-government movements in decades.

Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, whose father was Iran’s last shah who led the 1979 revolution, said during an appearance on “Hannity” that the country has “never seen an opportunity like this” to overthrow the government.

“More than a hundred cities and millions of people are chanting ‘death to the dictator’ in the streets,” Pahlavi said on Tuesday.

Video circulating online shows large demonstrations across Iran with thousands taking to the streets. Protesters are upset with the country’s worsening economic conditions as the value of Iran’s currency continues to fall.

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At least 36 people died during the protests and thousands were detained by authorities. Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). Despite the violence, Pahlavi said the people “remain determined to bring it back.”[ing] “Stop this regime.”

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“The regime is collapsing and is very close to collapsing,” he said.

He said the move was “unprecedented” and different from past efforts, pointing to the involvement of Iran’s powerful merchant class.

Video from Tehran showed business owners closing their shops in the Grand Bazaar and confronting security forces in riot gear.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei speaks in Tehran, Iran, on January 3.

“It has been my strategy to call on military personnel and armed forces to lay down their weapons and unite with the people to be part of the solution,” he added.

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President Donald Trump said this week that the United States would be willing to intervene if Iran harms or kills protesters.

“The United States will come to their rescue. We’re locked, loaded, and ready to go,” he wrote on Truth Social.

President Donald Trump speaks at a news conference at the Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 3. (Nicole Combeau/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

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The Associated Press, citing Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, reported that an Iranian general called Trump’s remarks a “threat” and warned that the country would respond.

Pahlavi stated that he was ready to return to Iran if the regime falls, and that his goal is “to ensure a peaceful end through a national referendum and constitutional assembly.”“