Who Will Rule Iran After Khamenei If Trump 'Air Strikes' Tehran | Iran Protests

Iran's violent demonstrations have evolved into a direct challenge to the Islamic Republic, with protesters chanting "Death to the Dictator" targeting Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, burning his images, and waving pre-1979 flags symbolising opposition to the regime. The government has responded with a brutal crackdown, including mass arrests, deadly force (with reports of thousands killed), nationwide internet blackouts, and vows of no leniency, framing the unrest as foreign-backed terrorism orchestrated by the US and Israel.

US President Donald Trump has escalated tensions by repeatedly threatening military intervention if the regime continues killing protesters, keeping airstrikes on the table, and publicly mocking Khamenei's position while hinting at knowing his whereabouts. In response, Iranian officials, including Khamenei himself, have defiantly rejected backing down, accused Trump of inspiring the chaos, and warned of readiness for war and retaliation against US interests. Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has actively supported the protests from abroad, calling for intensified street actions, urging military defections, and appealing to Trump for help, positioning himself as a potential leader for a secular, democratic post-regime Iran.