The citizens of Iran have been fighting against their theocratic-authoritarian government for 49 years. Iranians live under a regime where they are suppressed, watched and controlled. On Dec. 28, 2025, mass protests across all 31 provinces in Iran began due to the recent economic collapse which was caused by U.S. sanctions and government debt. The protests for economic relief soon switched to calls to overthrow the government, and this recent uprising is once again catching the world’s eye. If these protests continue by the time this article is published, Iran will have been fighting for one month.
On Jan. 8, Iran was plunged into a full blackout as the government shut off internet access nationwide. 85 million people now have no access to the outside world. However, there is a major loophole some have been able to exploit to get information to the rest of the world. People have found that they can use Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites and get high speed internet to spread the word.
This has allowed ground reporters to get photos and videos out so that everyone can see what is really going on, including the death toll number from protests. According to an article published by The Associated Press on Jan. 20, activists report that at least 5,000 protesters have been killed in clashes with the authorities. Unfortunately, this number is not confirmed as there is very little information coming from Iran, even with Starlink.
But now that some information has gotten out and everyone knows what is going on, people outside of Iran are being very vocal about the rights and lives of the citizens of the country. This includes Reza Pahlavi.
Exiled Iranian crown prince Reza Pahlavi has spoken out against the Iranian regime. He has lived in exile in the U.S. for nearly 50 years following the overthrowing of his father’s monarchy by the now established theocracy. Pahlavi advocates for a democratic republic in Iran and for the people of Iran to protest the leader that overthrew his father. The protesters have gained international recognition, and even gained the support of the U.S. President Donald Trump.
“If Iran shoots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue,” President Trump stated in a post on Truth Social.
On Sunday, Jan. 18, hackers disrupted Iranian television by hacking an Iranian satellite and airing a message from exiled crown prince Pahlavi. This encouraged the National Army of Iran to support the protesters and citizens in fighting the Islamic Republic.
Even though the citizens of Iran must face off against their government, they have found creative ways to fight back. In the Islamic Republic, there are very strict rules about expression. There is no dancing or singing in public. Women must cover themselves up. These simple acts can get people arrested, however, they are uniting the country and reminding them that there is hope that can be found within each other. There are also videos of protestors gathering in groups, singing and dancing together in public. Women don’t cover their hair in protest of their government.
An article published by Iran Wire on May 7, 2025 contains an interview with a private academy dance teacher, Sarina, and her experience with dance in a repressive government.
“Dance is a form of multiplying courage,” says Sarina. “It’s a struggle for the recognition of an art that has been labeled haram for four decades based on unfounded religious claims.”
There are protests happening globally in support of the Iranian citizens. People in California, Australia, London and many other places are gathering for pro-Iran protests, condemning the government of Iran. Some demonstrations include walking at night with phone flash on to protest the internet blackout. Others honor those who have been killed in protests in Iran. Even when Iran’s own nation is being silenced, people around the world are making sure that Iran is heard.
