Iran Source Warns Diaspora Is Out of Touch: Reza Pahlavi Not Widely Accepted, Israeli Flags Harm Movement

Photo Credit: Achim Wagner/Shutterstock

The Armenian Report has finally been able to establish direct contact with a source inside Iran following weeks of unrest and violent crackdowns across the country. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, described a period of extreme violence, fear, and instability as Iranian security forces responded to nationwide protests with live ammunition and military force.

According to the source, protests began around January 2, after sharp increases in prices across the country. Shopkeepers responded by closing their businesses, and demonstrations quickly spread. While early protests focused on economic grievances, the situation escalated rapidly, especially in regions such as Kurdistan and Luristan, where clashes were more intense due to the presence of armed groups among the population.

In the first days of unrest, protesters were reportedly shot with crowd-control weapons.

However, the source said the situation changed dramatically by Friday [January 9] night, when security forces began using live AK ammunition. The source provided a photo showing the type of ammunition used during the crackdown. By January 9, the response had become openly lethal.

On Friday, January 9 at noon, Iran’s chief of justice reportedly warned that anyone who came to the streets would be shot. Despite the warning, people continued to protest. The source said security forces, many dressed in plain clothes, opened fire on civilians. People were shot while fleeing and trying to return home, with many reportedly shot from behind.

The source described scenes of fear and chaos, noting that people attempting to film the events became direct targets. As a result, very little visual evidence exists from inside Iran. The source said they personally did not have videos or photos from the protests, explaining that filming put lives at risk.

Estimates of the death toll remain unclear. The source stated that “Sunday Times” was correct in saying 16,500 were killed. The Armenian Report cannot independently verify this number, but the claim reflects the scale of violence as perceived by those inside the country.

Following the bloodshed, large-scale protests temporarily subsided. However, the source said police and security forces continue to march through streets across Iran, creating an atmosphere of intimidation. Internet access remains unstable.

The source also said that independent media coverage inside Iran is nearly impossible. Before January 8, journalists were still able to describe the protests as peaceful demonstrations over prices. This changed after calls for mass rallies on January 8 and 9, when authorities responded with overwhelming force. On January 8, security forces were reportedly unprepared for the size of the protests, but by January 9 they arrived fully equipped with military weapons and ammunition.

Despite the fear, the source said public anger has not disappeared. While many people are now afraid to return to the streets, the belief remains that protests will return in the coming years, as they have in the past.

The source made clear they stand with the people, but expressed strong concerns about leadership and direction. While Reza Pahlavi is currently seen by many as the only figure capable of challenging the Islamic Republic, the source said he is not as widely accepted inside Iran as parts of the diaspora claim. Intellectuals inside the country have warned that he could become another dictator, but many still accept him simply because they want the current system gone.

According to the source, people inside Iran now want the entire Islamic Republic system removed, not just a change in government. Other opposition groups outside Iran were described as having little support, while the Mujahedeen Khalgh organization was described as being hated by both the public and the government.

The source also criticized Iranian diaspora activism, saying many outside the country are disconnected from realities on the ground. In particular, the display of Israeli flags at protests in Europe was described as a serious mistake that harms the movement inside Iran.

Reflecting on the situation, the source described a sense of shock shared by many Iranians. The level of violence was unexpected, and the future remains uncertain. According to the source, Iran now faces either a wider conflict or another major protest movement in the coming years.

As instability continues, The Armenian Report will keep monitoring developments and seeking verified information from inside Iran, while prioritizing the safety of sources who risk their lives to share what is happening beyond the country’s borders.

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