Any single picture of any movement becomes its identity. The picture says it all which is worth remembering for a long time. A similar picture is also of an Iranian woman who is burning the picture of the country’s supreme leader with a cigarette pressed to her lips. This is a symbol of the protest which is the reason for dissatisfaction with politics. The fire of protest that has been burning in the hearts has been extinguished. When pictures of today’s protests come to light, memories of a young woman killed years ago, named Neda Agha Sultan, come to mind. Even today his name is felt associated with every voice rising against the regime in Iran.

The death of Neda Agha Sultan in 2009 showed the world how heavy the cost of opposition can be in Iran. An ordinary citizen, who was not part of any major political platform, suddenly became a global symbol of oppression and violence. On June 20, 2009, Neda was watching the protest against the fraudulent election results passing through the road when a bullet rang out and Neda died within 2 minutes.

Neda’s mother considered her daughter to be an independent girl.

During this time someone made a video of Neda. It went viral on social media and Neda became an icon. She became the voice of Iran. Neda itself means voice and call. Neda’s mother considered her daughter to be a free-spirited girl, who liked equality between men and women, hated going out wearing a sheet and raising her voice for women’s rights was her favorite pastime.

Currently, voices are being raised against political repression in Iran.

The youth, women and working class involved in the ongoing protests seem to be carrying the same memory within themselves. The only difference is that now the protest is not limited to elections or any one incident, but is against every restriction of life which crushes the dignity of the individual. Today, Iran has once again taken to the streets and is going through a mixed feeling of anger, fear and hope. The voices being raised against inflation, unemployment, social restrictions and political repression are not just expressions of immediate dissatisfaction, but they are a continuation of a long struggle.

Neda’s memory connects with today’s movement

In the present situation, social media and digital mediums have given a new language to protest, but the pattern of harshness in the reaction of the government appears to be the same. Internet shutdown, arrests and atmosphere of fear, all these have been seen before. This is the point where Neda’s memory and today’s movement come together. Neda’s viral video had proved that the truth cannot be completely suppressed. Even today the protesters move forward with the same belief that their voice will reach beyond the borders.

The participation of women in these movements is especially noteworthy. Neda was not just a victim; She became a symbol of the female consciousness that demands its place in public life. Today, when women are coming forward and raising slogans, facing arrests and taking risks, it seems to be an extension of the same incomplete story which was left in limbo in 2009.

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Iran is currently going through the most unstable phase in the last several years. It has been two weeks since anti-government protests began across the country, in which so far more than 500 people have died and more than 10,000 have been detained. The fear of America’s intervention seems to be deepening amid increasing protests in Iran. Statements, military briefings and diplomatic signals coming from the US have given rise to speculations that the US may consider direct intervention in the ongoing developments in Iran.

US interference in Iran’s protests 5 Signal

• President Trump openly supported the protesters

US President Donald Trump has given an open statement in support of the protesters demanding regime change in Iran. He said America is ready to help Iran, which is looking for freedom never seen before. “Iran is looking toward independence, perhaps more than ever before,” he said in a post on Truth Social. America is fully ready to help!!!’ At the same time, Senator Lindsey Graham also intensified speculation about possible American action.

• Is America keeping military options open?, Briefing given to Trump

President Trump has indicated that he may be willing to attack the Islamic Republic to protect peaceful protesters. According to a New York Times report, the US President has been briefed in recent days on several military options related to targeting Iran. According to the report, these options include targeted attacks on selected targets in Tehran, which may also include non-military infrastructure related to the regime’s internal security system.

• Is America preparing air strikes on Iran?,

According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, America is considering large-scale air strikes on several military bases in Iran. However, no final consensus has been reached on this in Washington yet.

• Israel on high alert regarding possible US intervention

Just hours after President Trump’s independence statement, Israel said that it is on high alert in view of possible US intervention. According to news agency Reuters, three people involved in Israeli security meetings held at the end of the week said that Israel is preparing for possible action by America in Iran.

• Reza Pahlavi hints at possible comeback

Iran’s former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who is currently in exile, has appealed to the protesters to intensify the movement and has also hinted at his possible return. He said in a post on social media platform X on Sunday (January 11, 2026), ‘You people should know that you are not alone. Your compatriots around the world are proudly cheering you on, and you’re certainly seeing images of their massive presence on TV. Today the whole world stands with your national revolution.

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