Report: Iran Raises Alert Level to Maximum

Translation by SadaNews - In the wake of protests in Iran, the Revolutionary Guard announced this morning (Saturday) that maintaining the gains of the 1979 Revolution and the security of the country represents a "red line." The British newspaper "The Telegraph" reported today that the Iranian Supreme Leader, Khamenei, has placed security forces on maximum alert, more intense than wartime conditions. According to the report, "rocket cities" located underground have been activated to confront any external threat.

According to SadaNews translation, an Iranian official denied to "The Telegraph" reports suggesting a possible escape of Khamenei from the Islamic Republic, stating: "He will not leave Tehran even if B-52 bombers fly overhead."

A senior Iranian official added: "The Leader has instructed the Revolutionary Guard to remain on maximum alert, higher than during the June War." The same source noted: "He is in closer contact with the Revolutionary Guard than with the army or police. He has entrusted his fate to the Revolutionary Guard."

These statements come amid reports of hundreds of demonstrators killed in yesterday's protests. Meanwhile, the exiled son of the Shah of Iran, Reza Pahlavi, issued a statement this morning calling for a nationwide strike and preparation to occupy Iranian cities.

In a video message posted online, Pahlavi said: "I call on workers and employees in key economic sectors, especially in transportation, oil, gas, and energy, to launch a nationwide strike. I also urge all of you to take to the streets today and tomorrow starting at 6 PM, carrying flags, photos, and national symbols, and occupy public spaces. Our goal is no longer just to take to the streets, but to prepare to occupy city centers and defend them." Pahlavi also urged preparation for a long stay in the streets and to stock up on supplies.

Pahlavi added: "To the youth of Iran, and to all security forces and armed forces that have joined us, I say: slow down the pace of the repression machine, and disrupt it even more, so that when the promised day comes, we can completely disable it. I also prepare to return to my homeland and to be with you, great Iranian people, when our national revolution triumphs. I believe that day is very close."

This week, Pahlavi stated in an interview with Fox News that he answered his people's call "to lead the transition from dictatorship to a democratic future." According to him: "I have dedicated my life to serving my country, and I am now more prepared than ever to step forward at the right moment. I have never seen an opportunity like this that we witness today in Iran. The Iranian people are more committed than ever to ending this regime."

This morning, Iranian citizens also received a message of support from the United States. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated this morning that "the United States stands with the brave Iranian citizens." Last night, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened the Ayatollah regime again, saying: "If they start killing protesters, we will hit them hard where it hurts. It's better not to start shooting because we will also start shooting."

At the same time, human rights organizations reported that the death toll in the protests has risen to 65. Other estimates suggest a worse situation: Time magazine reported that more than 200 people lost their lives in the protests on Thursday alone, according to a doctor in Tehran.

Iranian warships participated last night in joint maneuvers with China and Russia in South African territorial waters. According to reports, more than 2,277 people were arrested last night, including 166 minors and 48 students who apparently participated in the protests. The official Tasnim news agency announced the arrest of 200 protest leaders, who were armed with pistols and hand grenades, according to the statement.

The report stated: "Among the reasons for the decline in the intensity of protests on the fourteenth day are the arrests of some leaders of these groups and leaders of 'terrorist cells'." It added: "The 'field reports' published by journalists from Tasnim, along with the images released from clashes that occurred in recent nights, indicate the existence of operational groups linked to terrorist organizations."

Mehr News Agency, which is also linked to the regime, reported the killing of a security force in Qazvin. The statement indicated that protesters beat him, severed his hands, and killed him.

Iran's "Threat" to Israel

Amid the tensions in the country, residents in Israel reported receiving messages, allegedly from an Iranian source, threatening to launch an attack. The messages stated: "We are coming. Look at the sky at midnight," which are messages whose credibility is questionable.

The internet was cut off in Iran this week in an effort by the regime to suppress protests and censor demonstrators who have filled the streets of cities for two consecutive weeks. The regime even threatened the death penalty for protesters, along with violent repression on the ground and reports of dozens of deaths and injuries.