A former Iranian Air Force pilot on Thursday urged those in the country’s military to safeguard Iranian citizens and not the interests of the government, as protests turned deadly.
In a video shared by Reza Pahlavi, the exiled crown prince of Iran, Colonel Fereydoun Ezzedasti said that while he wore a military uniform many years ago, his service never ended.
“A soldier is responsible for safeguarding the life, security and honor of his own nation until his last breath,” Ezzedasti said in the clip. “Today, the noble nation of Iran, weary yet steadfast, has pinned its hopes on you. You have donned this uniform to defend your fellow countrymen; not to suppress them.”
Why It Matters
The video message came as protests erupted across Iran over a failing economy, with Iranian forces seeking to end the unrest, while President Masoud Pezeshkian said earlier Thursday that officials needed to listen to the concerns of Iranians or face going to hell.
What To Know
In the 2 1/2-minute clip, Ezzedasti, who served during the Iran-Iraq war, said soldiers must stand alongside the nation, not against it, during sensitive times.
“Instead of aiming weapons at them, be their refuge and support,” he said, as it was reported that protests were spreading across Iran. Videos showed demonstrators gathered in various cities, at times with the sound of gunfire in the background.
Thursday evening local time saw at least six people reported dead–a mixture of protesters and law enforcement.
In posts on X, the U.S.-based Abdorrahman Boroumand Center for Human Rights in Iran said that a 22-year-old protester identified as Amir Hessam Kyodayari-fard was killed by direct fire from security forces, which then refused to release his body.
While Pezeshkian has said officials need to listen to concerns from Iranians, the country has seen two other major periods of unrest in recent years–in 2019 and 2022–with widespread crackdowns by authorities against protesters.
What People Are Saying
Reza Pahlavi, exiled crown prince of Iran, on X: “The Islamic Republic tried to keep you confined to your homes by closing public places and universities. But you bravely stood in the streets. I am proud of each and every one of you.
“We need greater solidarity and to hold the streets. Therefore, I ask you to use every opportunity, gathering, and event in the coming days to expand this movement. My team and I will continue to work toward mobilizing more forces, causing greater defections from the regime, and also bringing your voice to the world. Victory belongs to us.”
Saeed Pourali, a deputy governor in Iran’s Lorestan province, told Iran’s Student News Network: “The protests that have occurred are due to economic pressures, inflation and currency fluctuations, and are an expression of livelihood concerns. The voices of citizens must be heard carefully and tactfully, but people must not allow their demands to be strained by profit-seeking individuals.”
What Happens Next
Protests appeared set to continue and grow Thursday, with the U.S. Virtual Embassy for Iran urging Americans in the country to avoid crowded areas and make plans to leave if necessary.