This is just too rich. “Khamenei’s representative says protest videos and chants are AI-made,” Iran International, 1-2-26.
“Iran protests: Death toll cited at 10 amid reports of unrest spreading to rural provinces,” I24, 1-2-26.
“Who Is Leading the Revolt Against Iran’s Crumbling Regime?,” Media Line, 1-2-26. The snarky answer is that the Grand Ayatollah is leading the revolt—he (and his predecessor) and the system created by the Revolution are responsible for the misery that got the people of Iran to this point.
“About the New Iranian Protests,” WSJ, 1-2-26. “Remember the predictions from so many experts that a military strike on Iran’s nuclear sites would cause Iranians to rally behind their regime?” Those same persons say stay away now.
So there are several stories on this. “Trump warns US will intervene if Iran kills protesters,” BBC, 1-2-26. Trump remembers that Obama did nothing during a major uprising, hoping to draw the Ayatollah into a nuclear agreement. This is probably a warning to the Regime to let peaceful protests continue.
“Trump and top Iranian officials exchange threats over protests roiling Iran,” CBC, 1-2-26. Let’s be clear about this. The U.S. or Mossad or anyone else who takes the high ground and says that killing protesters is wrong can’t be blamed by the Regime for the Regime’s actions against the protesters.
“Iran protests expose a system sliding toward collapse, experts say,” Iran International, 1-2-26.
“Iran: US troops ‘legitimate targets’ after Trump threatens to intervene in protests,” Iran International, 1-2-26.
“How will the mass protests that are convulsing Iran unfold?,” Economist, 1-2-26.
“The Fall Of Iran Could Change Everything,” Middle East Forum, 1-2-26.
“The President has other options to support Iranians. The U.S. can help protesters with strike funds and communications, extending Starlink access or virtual private networks when the regime cuts off the internet. The U.S. can also expose regime thugs and cripple their communications, while encouraging defections. Above all, Mr. Trump can enforce oil sanctions as he now is doing in Venezuela.” See “Middle Eastern governments are watching Iran’s protests,” WSJ, 1-2-26.
“Iran accepts cryptocurrency as payment for advanced weapons,” Coin Desk, 1-2-26. “Prospective customers could purchase weapons such as missiles, tanks and drones using crypto, according to a government website.”
“Iran: International Community Must Stand with Iranian People, Demand Accountability for Regime’s Escalating Repression,” Freedom House, 1-2-26.
“Iran’s Refusal to Dial Back Nuclear Program Lit Fuse on Currency Crisis,” WSJ, 1-2-26.