Iranians Watch U.S. Actions in Venezuela With Unease Amid Domestic Protests
As nationwide demonstrations persist across Iran, public attention has sharply shifted toward recent U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, where forces seized the government of long‑time Iranian ally President Nicolás Maduro. The raid has fueled anxiety among Iranians, with some questioning whether Washington might turn its focus toward the Isla
mic Republic’s highest leadership in future operations. State media and officials have condemned the Venezuelan operation, but the reaction on the streets reflects a deeper unease. Tehran residents voiced concerns that the United States — often in coordination with allied powers — could target key figures or institutions in Iran, particularly given past hostilities that included strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and regional proxies. (ABC News) The specter of external intervention has been amplified by rumors and speculation circulating in local media, including unfounded claims about plans to abduct senior leaders. Religious figures in Tehran even urged citizens to pray for the safety of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reflecting the heightened sense of vulnerability among segments of the population. Analysts say Iran’s significantly larger size and formidable military capabilities make it a more complex and costly target than Venezuela. Still, political tensions and broader geopolitical rivalries continue to shape public sentiment, intersecting with ongoing protests and economic frustrations within the country. Source: ABC News