Iran's exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi issued an urgent appeal to former US President Donald Trump to intervene amid widespread and intensifying anti-government protests across the Islamic Republic. Pahlavi's call, made on social media, asked Trump to 'be prepared to intervene to help the people of Iran' as demonstrations escalated, initially driven by economic hardship but quickly evolving into a significant challenge to the current regime. The reference to a 'Maduro-style operation' in the original article's headline reflects Pahlavi's implied desire for international backing to facilitate a transitional government, akin to the US's recognition of Juan Guaidó in Venezuela. However, while Pahlavi has thanked Trump for his strong leadership and support of Iranian protesters, Trump has taken a cautious stance on directly endorsing a specific opposition leader. Speaking on a podcast, Trump stated that meeting Pahlavi would 'not be appropriate at this point' and preferred to 'let everybody go out there and see who emerges,' indicating a reluctance to pre-anoint any single figure to lead Iran's future. The protests in Iran have seen demonstrators chanting slogans against the dictator and, notably, some expressing support for the former monarchy. In response, Iranian authorities have imposed a nationwide internet blackout, which activists fear is being used to conceal a violent crackdown. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has publicly dismissed Trump and accused protesters of acting to 'please the president of the United States,' while the judiciary chief has threatened 'decisive, maximum and without any legal leniency' punishment for those involved in the unrest. This ongoing situation holds significant geopolitical implications and is closely watched by countries like India, given their strategic and economic ties to the Middle East.