Four Republicans join Democrats as House votes to curb Trump’s Iran war powers
The closely contested vote exposed divisions within the Republican Party while renewing debate over Congress' authority to approve extended military operations overseas.
As unrest deepens across Iran, exiled former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has made a direct appeal to US President Donald Trump, urging him to stand firmly with Iranians protesting against the country’s clerical leadership.
Speaking on Sunday, Pahlavi described Trump as a “man of peace” and called Iran’s current leadership under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei a “terror regime”. He said continued international backing could help Iranians secure freedom and rebuild the country.
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Pahlavi, 65, is the son of Iran’s last Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. He has lived in exile since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
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In an interview with Fox News host Maria Bartiromo, Pahlavi praised Trump’s past statements in support of Iranians and framed them as a source of encouragement for protesters on the streets.
“Mr President, you have already forged a legacy as a man of peace. Your words of solidarity have given Iranians the strength to fight for freedom,” he said.
“And while Khamenei and his thugs call for ‘Death to America,’ the Iranian people are renaming streets after you. They know you have their back and will not abandon them like Obama and Biden,” Pahlavi added.
“After the fall of this terrorist regime, they will be your best partner for peace and prosperity. Help them liberate themselves and Make Iran Great Again!”
Protests turn deadly as international pressure grows
The appeal comes amid mounting violence linked to nationwide anti-government protests in Iran.
At least 420 protesters, including eight children, have been killed over the past 15 days, according to Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA).
Demonstrations began on December 28 due to rising inflation and worsening economic conditions. Multiple cities experienced widespread unrest after protests escalated into clashes between protesters and security forces.
There have been arrests, crackdowns, and the use of force. Human rights organisations have repeatedly flagged concerns over civilian deaths and the treatment of detainees.
Iranian officials, however, have blamed the unrest on “rioters” and alleged foreign interference. They have insisted that genuine economic grievances will be addressed.
Iran’s Attorney General Mohammad Movahedi Azad has warned that legal action against protesters will be severe. According to Tasnim news agency, he said cases would proceed “without leniency, mercy or appeasement,” adding, “The charges against all rioters are the same.”
UN urges restraint, leaders react to Iran crisis
Global leaders have also begun weighing in.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday urged Iranian authorities to show restraint and respect basic freedoms. In a post on X, he said the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly “must be fully respected and protected”.
“Shocked by reports of violence & excessive use of force by the Iranian authorities against protesters resulting in deaths & injuries in recent days,” Guterres said.
“I urge the Iranian authorities to exercise maximum restraint & refrain from unnecessary or disproportionate use of force.”
He also called for restoring access to information, including communication services inside Iran.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was closely watching developments. In a statement on X, he voiced support for Iranian protesters, calling their actions a display of “immense bravery”.
Meanwhile, US officials told CNN that President Trump is weighing several military options amid the escalating situation. He has earlier warned Tehran against using lethal force on demonstrators.
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