Anti-regime protests have significantly intensified across Iran in early 2026, sparked primarily by a severe economic crisis, including the plunging value of the Iranian rial and soaring cost of living. Demonstrations, initially focused on economic grievances, quickly escalated into direct challenges against Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the entire clerical establishment, with protesters chanting slogans such as "Death to the dictator" and "Seyyed Ali will be overthrown" across numerous cities and universities. In response to the growing unrest, Iran's exiled Crown Prince, Reza Pahlavi, has issued a series of direct rallying cries to the Iranian people. He urged coordinated mass demonstrations on specific dates, such as January 8th and 9th, 2026, and called for sustained presence in the streets, perceiving this period as a critical opportunity for fundamental change. Pahlavi has actively engaged with international figures and garnered support, including acknowledging statements from former US President Donald Trump. The Iranian government has met the protests with a harsh crackdown. Security forces have been deployed, leading to violent clashes, with reports indicating dozens of deaths and thousands of arrests across the country. Crucially, Iranian authorities have also implemented widespread internet and telephone service disruptions, leading to digital blackouts aimed at preventing the flow of information and hindering the organization of further protests. This tactic has been used repeatedly in past periods of unrest. Internationally, the situation has drawn strong reactions. Former US President Donald Trump issued stern warnings to Iran, stating that the United States would respond "very hard" and "come to their rescue" if Iranian authorities continued to kill peaceful protesters. His statements and reported discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago in late 2025 underscore the significant geopolitical implications of the protests. The ongoing situation highlights deep fractures within the Islamic Republic and poses a complex challenge for regional and global stability.