Iran’s 14-night protest wave puts regime under unprecedented pressure
Mass protests have swept across Iran for 14 consecutive nights, with millions taking to the streets in cities like Mashhad. The demonstrations, led by exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, have drawn global attention as calls for regime change grow louder. Meanwhile, Israeli officials are watching the situation closely, though they describe it as an internal matter for Iran.
The protests began in late December 2025, with Reza Pahlavi—son of the late Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi—using social media to mobilise supporters. Crowds have gathered in city centres, chanting slogans like ‘Long live the King’ and demanding an end to the current government. The scale of the unrest has made it one of the largest waves of dissent in Iran’s recent history.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on the situation, expressing hope that Iranians would ‘free themselves from the ayatollahs’ regime’. He went further, suggesting that if Iran’s government changed, the two nations could once again become ‘loyal allies’. The Israeli military, while monitoring events, has stated it views the protests as an ‘internal Iranian matter’.
At the same time, Israel’s defence forces remain on alert. Officials have reiterated their readiness to respond forcefully if threats emerge. The military’s stance reflects ongoing tensions between the two countries, even as the protests unfold inside Iran.
The demonstrations show no signs of slowing, with Pahlavi’s calls for action continuing to draw large crowds. Israel’s military remains prepared for any potential fallout, though it has not intervened in the unrest. For now, the focus stays on how Iran’s government will respond to the growing pressure from its own people.
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