U.S. President Donald Trump is handling the recent large-scale protests in Iran with caution, amid U.S. assessments that the unrest may not be widespread enough to challenge Tehran’s religious establishment.
اضافة اعلان
In recent days, Trump warned Iranian leaders that they would pay a heavy price if they suppressed the protests, but he is currently taking a wait-and-see approach.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Friday, Trump said: “It’s better not to start shooting, because we will start shooting too.”
Human rights groups report that Iranian security forces have killed and injured numerous demonstrators.
In a Thursday interview with Fox News, Trump referred only to protesters being “trampled” in large crowds and noted that security forces had “shot at people” in the past.
These protests are the latest in a series of major demonstrations that have shaken Iran, with the U.S. expressing support for opposition groups.
Trump also indicated he is not currently inclined to meet Reza Pahlavi, the son of the late Shah of Iran, who lives abroad, suggesting he wants to see how the crisis unfolds before supporting any opposition leader. He added: “I think we should let everyone come out and see who emerges… I’m not necessarily sure this is the right move.”
Pahlavi, who resides near Washington, has used social media to call for continued large-scale demonstrations. In a Friday post, he urged Trump to become more involved in the crisis by showing “attention, support, and action.” He wrote: “You have proven you are a man of peace and keep your promises. I know this. Please be ready to intervene to help the Iranian people.”
U.S. Intelligence Indicates Iranian Leadership Remains Secure
A source familiar with intelligence reports said earlier this week that U.S. assessments concluded the protests are not large enough to threaten Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s leadership.
However, U.S. analysts are monitoring the situation closely. The source noted: “Twenty-four hours ago, protests were mainly in cities that have historically opposed the regime. Moving into regime strongholds, like the Supreme Leader’s hometown of Mashhad, would be the significant development.”
A White House spokesperson said: “We do not comment on intelligence matters… As the President has repeatedly stated, if Iran shoots peaceful protesters and kills them violently, they will face a very strong response.” The CIA declined to comment.
The Iranian protests come as Trump is also focused on efforts to remove Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and has floated the possibility of acquiring Greenland, by purchase or military means.
In June, Trump ordered airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and warned he would do so again if Tehran attempted to rebuild its program. He added: “I simply wish safety for the protesters in Iran, as it is currently a very dangerous place.”
Alex Vatanka, director of the Iran program at the Middle East Institute in Washington, said Trump appears to be waiting to see if the protests destabilize the clerical rulers in Iran before deciding on intervention. Vatanka noted that Trump “wants to be on the winning side, but he prefers a quick win, not one requiring extensive investment and support, especially not in the Middle East. This has consistently conflicted with his political approach since he first ran for office.”
Reuters
