In recent weeks, Iran has once again become the stage for one of the largest popular uprisings in its contemporary history, an uprising ignited following the calls issued by Reza Shah II.
What began as protests against crushing economic hardship, systematic repression, torture, and executions has rapidly transformed into a clear and unified national demand: the overthrow of the Islamic Republic and the reclaiming of Iran.
After 47 years of humiliation, violence, and plunder, the Iranian people are standing, not merely for bread, but for dignity, identity, and a future. From north to south, east to west, a single chant has echoed across the country: ‘Javid Shah!’ The people are demanding a national government and a free Iran.
Today, protests continue in more than 30 provinces. The regime’s response is the same as it has always been: a nationwide internet shutdown, severe communication disruptions, and the use of live ammunition against unarmed civilians. The Islamic regime has deliberately cut off both domestic and global internet access to sever the connection between protesters and the outside world, to allow crimes to be committed in darkness.
Independent reports and international media confirm that, as in the past four decades, security forces have opened fire directly on peaceful demonstrators.
Teenagers, women, and men of Iran have been killed in the streets. Estimates indicate more than 5,000 people have been killed and thousands more arrested. Yet fear has not prevailed. The will of the people has not been broken.
Following the initial calls and the start of the uprising, Reza Shah II issued further messages through social media, urging people to remain present in the streets and speaking clearly about a democratic transition, national sovereignty, and liberation from the Islamic regime. These calls played a decisive role in expanding and intensifying the protests. The Iranian nation has shown that it stands united behind its national leader, moving neither ahead of his guidance nor retreating from it, just as he asked: with discipline, awareness, and resolve.
In one of his calls, broadcast on January 12, Reza Shah II instructed that the national flag of Iran, the Lion and Sun, must be raised, and he asked Iranians abroad, in coordination with local police, to display this flag on Iranian embassies.
This call was answered the same day in Canberra, the capital of Australia, where the national flag was raised an unmistakable symbol that Iranians inside and outside the country are one people, with one will.
Even in the digital sphere, global solidarity became visible. On the platform X (formerly Twitter), the Iranian flag emoji was temporarily changed to the Lion and Sun, reflecting the symbolic power and international resonance of the Iranian uprising.
Across Europe, the United States, Australia, and beyond, Iranian communities gathered in the thousands, carrying the Lion and Sun flag and chanting the same slogans shouted by protesters inside Iran under live fire. The voice of the Iranian people reached the world.
In response, international politicians and human rights organisations have condemned the brutal crackdown and warned of an escalating human rights catastrophe. Several have expressed support for Reza Shah II as the national leader of the Iranian people.
Donald Trump, through repeated public statements, defended the Iranian people and warned the leaders of the Islamic Republic not to cross red lines. Governments such as Australia have issued consular warnings and restricted embassy operations in Iran, acknowledging the grave danger facing civilians.
Today, Iranians abroad are calling on governments across the world to stand with Reza Shah II and the national movement of the Iranian people to stand with a nation confronting a terrorist regime in order to reclaim its country.
The voice of the Iranian people is the voice of freedom, voice of Shah.
Leila Naseri: Author | Composer | Social Cultural Activist
