Iran Interior Ministry Official Defects, Urges Trump to Act Amid Brutal Crackdown.
An official from Iran’s Interior Ministry has defected from the Islamic Republic’s government and joined ongoing anti-regime protests, publicly appealing to U.S. President Donald Trump to take decisive action against Tehran as demonstrations and state violence escalate across the country, according to a report by Iran International.
The official — whose identity is being withheld for security reasons — said his decision to defect was inspired by calls from opposition figures, notably exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi. He told the broadcaster that he witnessed what he described as the Islamic Republic’s deliberate and ruthless use of live ammunition against unarmed protesters, saying security forces had little regard for civilian life.
“Iran’s security apparatus is ruthless and will do anything,” the official said, describing a situation he characterized as resembling de facto martial law in several provinces, with traffic restrictions, armed patrols, and attempts to suppress all public gatherings. He also warned that Iranians’ patience was wearing thin amid intensified crackdowns.
In a direct appeal to Trump, the defector stated that many Iranians are “waiting for Trump,” and warned that if U.S. leadership fails to act, a “widespread hatred” toward the U.S. could emerge among the Iranian public. He expressed belief that Trump might eventually intervene but stressed protesters’ expectations were growing amid the regime’s use of lethal force.
The defection and public appeal come amid some of the most violent unrest Iran has seen in years. Protests that began in late December 2025 over economic hardship have expanded into broader anti-government demonstrations, prompting a severe crackdown by security forces and a near-nationwide internet shutdown. Rights groups estimate thousands of deaths and tens of thousands of arrests as authorities attempt to suppress dissent.
President Trump has repeatedly said the U.S. is considering strong measures against Tehran. In mid-January, he tweeted that “help is on the way,” a phrase widely interpreted as a promise of potential intervention, although he later canceled planned strikes and said he would “watch what the process is” regarding military options.
International concern has also grown: the United Nations Human Rights Council is planning an emergency session to address alleged rights violations against protesters, and several Western governments have condemned Iran’s use of force.
The unfolding crisis — now involving defections from within the regime’s own ministries — highlights both the depth of internal dissent and the intense pressure Iran faces domestically and internationally as calls for political change continue to grow.
