Iran’s ‘shared pain’ has turned into a cry in the streets, Panahi says

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided not to publicly comment on the ongoing protests in Iran, amid concerns that doing so could give Tehran a pretext to target Israel and divert attention from its domestic economic problems, Israel’s Channel 12 reported.

The decision followed a briefing Netanyahu held on the issue at his hotel in West Palm Beach, Florida, according to the report.

“We’re watching dramatic domestic events in Iran, but it’s too early to tell what the ramifications will be,” Channel 12 quoted a senior Israeli official as saying.

Sunni cleric Molana Abdolhamid of Zahedan said in a post on X on Wednesday that unbearable living conditions and the dead end the country has reached are among the key reasons behind the current wave of nationwide protests in Iran.

Abdolhamid warned that ignoring calls by well‑meaning figures for “necessary changes” has pushed Iran into political and economic crises, urging structural reforms and accountability from officials in response to people’s demands.

A video sent to Iran International shows a group of protesters taking to the streets in the town of Farsan in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, chanting “Reza Shah, rest in peace,” as the sound of gunfire can be heard in the background.

Another video from Farsan shows demonstrators facing off with police officers while chanting “Death to Khamenei,” as officers are heard threatening the crowd and further gunshots ring out.

A video sent to Iran International shows protesters gathering on Wednesday outside the governor’s office in the city of Dorud in western Lorestan province, where they chant “Not Gaza, not Lebanon, my life for Iran.”

Another video from the city shows demonstrators marching through Dorud’s streets chanting slogans including “This is the final battle, Pahlavi will return” and “Guns, tanks, fireworks, the mullahs must go.”

This updated video map shows locations where protest rallies have been reported as demonstrations in Iran entered their fourth day.

The map compiles information from videos and eyewitness accounts received by Iran International, highlighting cities where protest gatherings have taken place since demonstrations began on Monday. It updates an earlier version published on the fourth day of protests.