Iranian Protests and Calls for Action Against Khamenei

In recent weeks, Iran has experienced significant unrest, with widespread protests against the government. Activists report that the Iranian regime has responded with severe crackdowns, leading to a reported death toll of at least 3,919 protesters, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activist News Agency. The protests have been fueled by anger over the regime's violent repression and calls for reform.

Masih Alinejad, an Iranian women's rights activist, has publicly called for the targeted killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, likening it to the U.S. assassination of Qassem Soleimani in 2020. Alinejad argues that Khamenei's fear of U.S. President Donald Trump is evident in the regime's suspension of 800 executions, suggesting that the Iranian leadership is intimidated by potential U.S. intervention. She believes that the next wave of protests will be even more intense due to the brutal crackdown.

'Khamenei is scared of Trump,' exiled Iranian activist Masih Alinejad saysIsrael and Arab Nations Ask Trump to Refrain From Attacking IranAxios: Trump did not attack Iran partly because of Israel's fear of reprisals

Among the Iranian diaspora and activists, there is a growing sentiment favoring U.S. intervention. Some, like Shahrzad, a protester who fled Iran, express hope that Trump might act against Khamenei, fearing that any deal between the U.S. and Iran could undermine their struggle. Others, including Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi and scholar Mohammad Javad Akbarin, have called for a "humanitarian intervention," arguing that Khamenei's removal is essential for any meaningful change in Iran.

'Khamenei is scared of Trump,' exiled Iranian activist Masih Alinejad saysIsrael and Arab Nations Ask Trump to Refrain From Attacking IranAxios: Trump did not attack Iran partly because of Israel's fear of reprisals

However, not all activists support direct U.S. military action. Ali Vakili, an activist based in New York, cautions against making Khamenei a martyr and suggests that the Iranian people should determine their own fate. Elahe Ejbari, a student activist, has started a counter-petition against foreign intervention, warning that such actions could lead to greater insecurity in the region.

Amidst the turmoil, President Trump has signaled a reluctance to engage militarily, influenced by concerns from allies such as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Gulf Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Netanyahu reportedly advised Trump against military action, citing Israel's lack of preparedness for potential Iranian retaliation. These nations have expressed a preference for dialogue over military confrontation, fearing that U.S. strikes could escalate into a broader regional conflict.

Axios: Trump did not attack Iran partly because of Israel's fear of reprisalsIsrael and Arab Nations Ask Trump to Refrain From Attacking Iran'Khamenei is scared of Trump,' exiled Iranian activist Masih Alinejad says

The future of Iran remains uncertain, hinging not only on U.S. actions but also on the dynamics among regional actors and the Iranian regime itself. As activists continue to call for change, the demand for intervention reflects a desperate search for solutions amid ongoing violence and repression. The situation underscores the complexities of foreign involvement in domestic struggles, with opinions divided on the best course of action to support the Iranian people's aspirations for freedom and reform.

• "Kill Ali Khamenei the way that you kill[ed] Qassem Soleimani." — Masih Alinejad, Iranian Women's Rights Activist

'Khamenei is scared of Trump,' exiled Iranian activist Masih Alinejad says

• "Ali Khamenei’s elimination is a necessary condition for any change in Iran." — Mohammad Javad Akbarin, Scholar

• "Tying the destiny of Iranian popular struggles to foreign intervention is dangerous and irresponsible." — Elahe Ejbari, Student Activist