Tehran witnessed a series of tense developments as Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence conducted a nighttime raid at the dormitory of Shahid Beheshti University, arresting several students suspected of collaborating with foreign agencies and planning riots in the coming days. The operation reportedly caused panic among witnesses, including female students who screamed upon seeing the arrests.
A separate tragedy unfolded in Kuhdasht, western Iran, where 22-year-old Amir Hesam Khodad-Yari Fard was killed by anti-government rioters after confronting them to prevent the destruction of public property. Authorities say his death underscores the growing volatility during ongoing protests, which have intensified following a sharp drop in the value of Iran’s currency.
An informed source within the Ministry of Intelligence announced Wednesday that seven individuals linked to adversary groups abroad were identified and arrested. Five of the detainees reportedly had ties to U.S.-based monarchist organizations, while two were affiliated with European adversary groups. Investigators also seized 100 smuggled pistols, which had entered the country disguised as authorized border goods, and arrested the individuals responsible for their infiltration. According to preliminary investigations, the detained elements were allegedly tasked with inciting violence during recent protest rallies.
The unrest comes as Iranian traders and shopkeepers staged consecutive days of protests over economic grievances. In response, President Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration convened a meeting with representatives of the business community, listening to their complaints and announcing economic measures aimed at addressing some of their demands.
Amid these domestic developments, exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi issued a statement regarding the protests, declaring that the “regime has reached the end of the road.” Pahlavi praised the courage of Iranians taking to the streets and called for international support, urging the global community to aid the people of Iran in pursuing a democratic transition. He framed the current unrest as a pivotal moment, predicting that the growing protests could mark the dawn of a new era characterized by freedom, prosperity, and regional stability.
