U.S. watching for signs Iran's protests could bring down regime

Protests erupted in Tehran and other Iranian cities on Thursday, with reports of burning government buildings despite internet shutdowns. Initially, U.S. intelligence assessed the protests wouldn't destabilize the regime, but that view is now being reevaluated. These demonstrations have intensified over twelve nights, fueled primarily by economic hardship exacerbated by sanctions, and internal conflicts. Some protestors have been openly calling for the regime's downfall. President Pezeshkian admitted the government lacks solutions but ordered security forces not to harm peaceful protesters, yet state media minimizes the protests' scale. Trump has warned of military action if protesters are killed but was cautious while discussing the situation, declining to endorse Reza Pahlavi. Previous protests in 2022 didn't topple the regime, but hopes for regime change are now voiced by some U.S. figures, including Senator Lindsey Graham. These officials urge Iranians to continue the protests, assuring support from Trump's administration. The situation remains volatile, with the future of the Iranian regime uncertain.