Trump Calls for Iran Regime Change as Protests Surge Worldwide | US News

Global Protests Demand Regime Change in Iran as Trump Signals Tougher Stance

President Donald Trump has indicated a willingness to see a change in leadership in Iran, stating that regime change “would be the best thing that could happen.” His comments came as he announced the deployment of another aircraft carrier to the Middle East, escalating pressure on Tehran amid ongoing concerns over its nuclear program.

Simultaneously, large-scale protests calling for the overthrow of the Islamic Republic erupted in cities around the world on Saturday, including Los Angeles, Munich, and Toronto. The demonstrations were fueled by a call to action from exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who is increasingly viewed by many as a potential future leader of Iran.

In Los Angeles, police estimated that approximately 300,000 protesters gathered in front of City Hall before marching through downtown. Participants hailed from across the United States and Canada, united by a shared desire for a free Iran.

“Our only duty now is to be the voice of the voiceless people of Iran and just amplify their wishes and amplify whatever they want for their future,” said Hamid Saeidi, a Grammy Award-winning Iranian-American musician, reflecting the sentiment of many present.

The protesters adopted the pre-Islamic Republic flag, featuring a lion and sun emblem, as a symbol of unity, chanting slogans such as “change, change, regime change” and “democracy for Iran.” Some demonstrators were even seen wearing “Make Iran Great Again” hats.

The demonstrations come amid reports of a brutal crackdown on protesters within Iran itself. Ashkan Kouranki, a Las Vegas resident who traveled to Los Angeles to participate, shared a harrowing account of his family’s experience. “Some of my cousins got shot back home,” he said, describing receiving videos and pictures of his cousin’s leg wounded by pellet shots. “She was afraid to go into the hospital because they’re kidnapping and killing people in the hospitals.”

Reports indicate that the Islamic Republic has been responsible for the killings and imprisonment of thousands of protesters demanding basic human rights. Gisoo Moradian, also from Las Vegas, expressed outrage at the violence. “They’re just being killed for going out there and also showing their voices and sharing that they are over everything that’s going on in the brutal government that’s treating them so poorly,” she stated.

The protests also featured appearances from members of the Pahlavi family, including the exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi’s eldest daughter, Noor. Chants in support of her father and his potential leadership were prevalent throughout the day.

“One of the main concerns of the all these different nations is who is going to be the alternative to the Islamic Republic? And I do believe that by showing support to compress a Pahlavi, that we have a valid support for him to be the alternative, transactional transitional leader,” said Maysam Sabitian of Las Vegas.

While the U.S. Continues negotiations regarding a nuclear deal with Iran, protesters emphasized their primary goal: ending the Islamic Republic’s rule. Sabitian voiced skepticism about negotiating with the current Iranian government, stating, “One of the main things I’ve heard is that you don’t negotiate with terrorists. I don’t I believe that President Trump is trying to take the diplomatic way with them, but history has shown that there is no diplomatic settlement with these people.” He added, “And I believe we are at the verge of the United States helping Iranian people, as President Trump has promised them, he told them, help is on the way, and we were locked and loaded if they kill people in Iran. And I think that’s going to happen very soon.”

As attention turns back to Washington, Iranian-Americans are urging swift action, fearing further bloodshed within Iran. The sense of urgency is palpable, with many expressing a desperate desire to prevent more loss of life.