Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last monarch, issued an urgent appeal on social media calling on U.S. President Donald Trump to provide support as nationwide protests against the Islamic Republic’s leadership continue across Iran.

There have been at least 65 deaths during the protests, according to reports from inside Iran. 

In a message posted on the social platform X, Pahlavi described the situation in Iran as “urgent,” highlighting a recent nationwide internet and communications blackout and what he said were threats of violent repression from the Iranian regime. 

He asked President Trump to be prepared to “intervene to help the people of Iran,” but he did not specify what form that support should take. 

"You have proven and I know you are a man of peace and a man of your word. Please be prepared to intervene to help the people of Iran," he wrote on X on Friday.

Pahlavi’s comments come amid widespread demonstrations that began in late December and have spread to all of Iran's provinces.

The protests, initially triggered by economic grievances, have reportedly expanded to include other political demands. 

Pahlavi said he is "preparing to return to the homeland so that at the time of our national revolution's victory, I can be beside you, the great nation of Iran." 

"I believe that day is very near," he also said. 
 
Trump addressed the situation in Iran on Friday.

"We're watching the situation very carefully. I've made this statement very strongly that if they start killing people like they have in the past, we will get involved," he said. "And that doesn't mean boots on the ground, but it means hitting them very, very hard where it hurts."