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The situation in Iran is growing ever more tense, and the people of Iran may well be closer to overthrowing the theocratic rule of the mullahs than they've been since 1979.
Be informed, not misled.
That's a fascinating and unexpected twist. But, if you look at it from the point of view of a young Iranian who wants the mullahs gone, who else are you going to turn to?
Holly Dagres, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute, posted this video on X.
Since Trump's comments about the Iran protests, I've seen numerous videos of Iranian protesters either thanking him or, in this case, renaming streets after the US president. pic.twitter.com/aWsQV5N8fQ
— Holly Dagres (@hdagres) January 7, 2026
Yesterday, Fox News reported, "Iranian protesters intensified nationwide demonstrations over the past 24 hours, directly appealing to President Donald Trump while chanting anti-regime slogans. Footage published Wednesday showed a protester in Tehran symbolically renaming a street after Trump, while other videos captured handwritten appeals reading, 'Don’t let them kill us,' Iran International reported."
The appeals came as demonstrators faced a widening security crackdown, including the deployment of armed units and tear gas near major civilian sites in Tehran.
Exiled Iranian opposition leader Reza Pahlavi told Hannity the current unrest represents a historic opportunity to end Iran’s Islamic Republic.
"In all these years, I’ve never seen an opportunity as we see today in Iran," Pahlavi said in a Tuesday interview.
"Iranian people are more than ever committed to bringing an end to this regime, as the world has witnessed in the last few days, the level of demonstrations is unprecedented in Iran," he said.
Pahlavi said protests have spread to more than 100 cities and emphasized the role of Iran’s traditional merchant class, describing developments inside the country’s bazaars as a turning point. "We are beginning to see more and more defections," Pahlavi said, adding that "Either way, the regime is crumbling and is very close to collapsing."
Fox reports, "Over the past 24 hours, Iran International reported continued protests and strikes across the country, including in Tehran, Tabriz, Qazvin, Kermanshah, Kerman, Shiraz, Falavarjan and Bandar Abbas. Tehran’s Grand Bazaar remained a focal point of unrest, with large crowds chanting against Iran’s leadership as authorities responded with tear gas and armed deployments."
They continue, "Casualty and arrest figures continued to rise. The Human Rights Activists News Agency, cited by Iran International on Wednesday, reported at least 36 people killed since protests began, including 34 protesters and two members of Iran’s security forces, with more than 2,000 arrests nationwide. Iranian authorities have not released updated official figures."
New footage from the past day showed demonstrators lighting fires in the streets of Shiraz and chanting "Death to Khamenei," referring to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In Qazvin, protesters were heard chanting, "Law enforcement, return to the side of the nation."
Takeaway
Ward Clark at Red State had this conclusion:
It's hard to overstate the profound changes, in the Middle East and globally, that the fall of the mullahs and the rise of some form of modern government in Iran would make. Islamic terrorist groups would find their primary source of funding and logistical support drying up. Russia and China would lose an ally, and they would also lose access to Iranian oil.
This won't be quick, and it won't be easy, but protests are erupting all over the Islamic Republic. Tear gas isn't deterring them, and it seems not even live ammo is deterring them. A strong number of the Iranian people have apparently decided they have nothing left to lose - and there is no creature more dangerous than a man with nothing left to lose.
I agree. But there is also one other piece to this. Perhaps the most important.
Exiled Iranian opposition leader Reza Pahlavi said the current unrest represents a historic opportunity to end Iran’s Islamic Republic.
And then there's this:
Reports indicate a significant underground Christian revival in Iran, with millions converting from Islam despite severe persecution, fueled by dreams, visions, satellite TV, online studies, and quiet sharing, making it one of the world's fastest-growing Christian movements, especially among youth seeking hope.
The number of Christian converts has surged from hundreds in 1979 to over a million, making it the fastest-growing church globally, according to some sources.
The regime targets believers with imprisonment and violence, yet this hasn't stopped the movement, with Christians forming small, secretive house churches for worship, teaching, and fellowship.
In essence, a powerful spiritual awakening is already occurring in Iran. It's challenging the regime's control through faith and hope. Even as believers face immense risks.
I believe this is more than "regime" change. It's about changing the hearts of the nation by the power of Jesus Christ and His Gospel.
Be Informed. Be Discerning. Be Vigilant. Be Bold. Be Prayerful.
