Iran’s political crisis is entering a volatile new phase. As nationwide protests continue, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly signalled support for Iranians seeking “freedom like never before,” raising tensions with Tehran. His message came just a day after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused Washington of fuelling unrest and warned protesters of severe consequences. Iranian media now report the detention of more than 200 alleged organisers, alongside seizures of weapons and explosives. Authorities claim the arrests have slowed the protests, but the standoff is far from over. With rhetoric hardening on both sides, the unrest is increasingly playing out on the global stage.