Regime change within reach’ Iran on brink of UPRISING as Trump demands 'time is NOW

Iranian protests contune in more than 50 cities

IRAN continues to be swept by violence with up to 12 people killed in clashes between protesters and riot police, but emboldened opposition groups claim 'regime change is within reach'.

By Henry Holloway
Daily Star, 1st January 2018 - Five days of marches and demonstrators against the regime in Tehran have swept the Islamic Republic.

Anti-government protests have called for “death to the dictator” as thousands hit the streets spurred by growing fears of corruption, rising food prices, and unemployment.

The anger of the country's worsening economic situation spilled over into rage against the regime, which was met with a forceful response from Tehran.

Figures of arrests vary, but the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI) have claimed the numbers are now reaching the “thousands” when speaking to Daily Star Online.

Shahin Gobadi, a spokesman for the group, told this website protestors have been shot by government forces – something which authorities in Tehran have denied.

He warned of growing censorship and “brute force” being used to curb protests and said an even harsher crackdown is on the way.

“Despite all the regime’s crackdown, the people have stood firm”

Shahin Gobadi

Videos and pictures from inside Iran show water cannons, tear gas and riot cops being deployed to stamp out protestors.

Rioting and violence have also been seen on the other side, with protesters setting fire to bins and allegedly overturning government vehicles.

Iranian state TV has claimed government security forces repelled “armed protestors” who tried to storm police stations and military bases.

The deaths of two protestors on Saturday was also blamed on “foreign agents” amid constant denials fatal force was used.

Iran has also locked down social media as police attempt to curb protest organizers and people spreading dissent.

RIOTING: Iran has seen days of violent protests across 'at least 50 cities'

video Iranian vehicles set alight as protesters take to the streets

REVOLUTIONARY GUARD: Iran's hardline army has warned of an 'iron fist' to crush protests

Mr. Gobadi told Daily Star Online: 'It is very telling that despite all the regime’s crackdown, the people have stood firm and protests have already begun in several cities for a fifth day.

'What the world is witnessing is the culmination of acute crises that the regime faced for years and had tried to cover up which now have erupted.

'The underlying message of protests and uprisings in more than 50 cities and towns throughout the country is that the Iranian people want regime change and it is within reach.'

The PMOI consider themselves a government in exile and have long advocated the overthrow of the hardline regime.

US officials urged President Trump to enter into talks with the PMOI to “establish a dialogue with Iran’s exiled resistance” back in 2017.

And the group officially renounced violence in 2001, and say they are campaigning for a 'secular, democratic, non-nuclear republic”.

DEFIANCE: Tear gas is fired at protestors massed around Tehran University on Saturday

Mr Gobadi said: 'A number of protesters have been shot to death in each of these towns. As of now, at least 12 protesters have been slain in various cities, and many more have been wounded.

'Thousands of protesters have been arrested. The regime has resorted to brute force, killing and arresting protesters.”

Protests in Iran are the biggest in nearly a decade since mass demonstrations in 2009, with the anniversary of that unrest being marked by pro-government rallies on Saturday.

video Major protest erupts in Iranian city of Mashhad

Washington is now getting involved, as US President Donald Trump appeared to gave his backing to regime change on Twitter.

He wrote: “Iran is failing at every level despite the terrible deal made with them by the Obama Administration.

'The great Iranian people have been repressed for many years. They are hungry for food & for freedom. Along with human rights, the wealth of Iran is being looted.'

Trump signed off in all-caps with the slogan “time for change”.

Iran has dismissed any comments from the US as 'irrelevant' and 'opportunistic”.

REGIME CHANGE: Hassan Rouhani accepted grievances but urged only 'legal protest'

Before the demonstrations escalated, Iranian regime officials warned people of “illegal gatherings” and told protestors unrest would not be tolerated.

Breaking his silence, President Hassan Rouhani warned of further crackdowns on the marches – encouraging people to stick to “legal criticism and protest”.

Iran’s ultra-hardline Revolutionary Guard however took a much tougher line, warning protests will be crushed with an “iron fist” – warning people not to chant anti-government slogans.

1979’s Iranian Revolution saw the overthrow of the Western-friendly monarchy and the establishment of hardline Islamic system, with its absolute ruler being the Ayatollah.