The city of Abdanan, located near the Iraqi border, has completely come under the control of the protesters, as reported by the National Council of Resistance of Iran. Protests have also spread to Malekshahi. Videos have surfaced on social media showing demonstrators in Abdanan chanting: "Death to Khamenei" and "This year is the year of blood, Ali Khamenei will be overthrown." At the same time, Iranian police, standing on the roof of a building, greet the protesters with applause, the media reports.
Ali Safavi, a member of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, commented on the events, stating that this is an important moment for the two cities in the west of the country, which are effectively under the control of the protesters, and residents are celebrating in the streets.
Since the start of the anti-government protests, which have now lasted for ten days, Iranians have been protesting against the devaluation of the rial and nearly 50% inflation caused by sanctions and the consequences of the conflict with Israel. According to Iranian media, over 2000 people have been arrested, and preliminary reports indicate that 36 people, including two security personnel, have died.
According to the British newspaper The Times, Supreme Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is preparing an escape plan to Moscow with his closest circle and assets if the protests cannot be suppressed.
