EconoTicker

Gen. Michael Flynn, Donald Trump’s former national security adviser, voiced support for Iran’s protests by quote-posting U.S. media activist Eyal Yakoby and writing that once people who have lived under oppression “taste the most basic signs of freedom, they want everything,” adding: “To the people of Iran: all of us who cherish freedom stand with you today,” and calling their courage “historic” and destined to be remembered as one of the world’s great freedom revolutions—before concluding, “Ayatollahs, it’s time to go.” In the same thread, Yakoby shared an image circulated online showing a lion-and-sun flag placed on a Qasem Soleimani statue and quipped, “Why isn’t this image on the front page of The New York Times?”, as U.S. political and media figures’ public expressions of solidarity with Iran’s protest movement continue to grow on social platforms.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, a prominent Republican, said the Islamic Republic is an “authoritarian regime” that “must go,” arguing it is now a matter of time as protests continue and the crackdown intensifies. He called for ending the situation “for the good people of Iran,” as well as for U.S. and Israeli interests, and urged an escalatory approach toward Iran’s leadership, framing it as potentially the biggest shift in the Middle East if achieved.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia is not considering participation in any potential U.S. strike on Iran, while describing the Islamic Republic as a “repressive regime” and stressing Canberra “stands firmly” with Iranians seeking human rights, dignity, and necessary change. Albanese also pointed to Australia’s earlier decision to expel Iran’s ambassador and other Iranian diplomats, citing alleged involvement by Iranian-linked entities in attacks on Australian soil.

Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a travel notice urging Thai citizens to refrain from traveling to Iran, citing widespread protests in Tehran and other cities, reports of many people killed or injured, and an internet system outage that is disrupting communications. The ministry also advised those without an essential reason to travel to postpone their trips, and urged Thai nationals currently in Iran to avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place amid heightened security risks.

Conservative commentator Mark Levin, described as a journalist and a member of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s advisory board, said Iran’s government is “desperate” and responsible for escalating violence, arguing that more people are being killed as the crisis continues. Levin claimed there is “nothing left to negotiate,” pressing for a tougher U.S. posture toward Tehran as debate in Washington intensifies over how to respond to Iran’s crackdown and regional security risks.

Canada’s Foreign Ministry said it “strongly condemns” the continued killing of protesters in Iran, urging Iranian authorities to immediately end what it called a horrific campaign of repression and intimidation and to respect citizens’ human rights. The statement added that Canada “stands with the brave people of Iran,” as international criticism of the crackdown intensifies.

Rep. Elise Stefanik said on X that the United States stands “strongly” with the people of Iran who are, in her words, courageously seeking to reclaim their country and restore rights and human dignity taken by the Islamic Republic’s “terrorist ayatollahs.” She added that Washington should not leave the killing of Iranians by what she called a “terrorist regime” unanswered, calling it a historic moment to change the course of world events and deliver a long-delayed peace with “the right president” in office.

Republican Sen. Todd Young voiced support for Iran’s protest movement in a post on X, saying the Iranian regime represses its own citizens at home while supporting “state-sponsored terrorism” abroad. He added that he stands with “brave Iranian protesters” across the country who are shouting their demand for freedom.

Australia’s official travel advisory urged citizens on Monday to leave Iran immediately, warning that commercial departure options are becoming more limited and that airspace closures and flight cancellations could happen soon, potentially making it impossible to leave later. The advisory added that anyone who remains in Iran does so at their own risk, and recommended being prepared to shelter in place with sufficient water, food, and medication if needed.

U.S. President Donald Trump said late Sunday, 21 Dey 1404 (January 11, 2026), that he is in contact with opposition leaders as Iran’s protests intensify and the crackdown escalates, telling reporters aboard Air Force One that they would “find out soon” what message he delivered. Trump said the U.S. is reviewing a range of responses—including potential military options—arguing Iran’s leadership appears to have “crossed the line” amid reports of killings, and adding that the military is closely monitoring developments as Washington considers “very powerful options.” He also claimed Iranian officials reached out on Saturday about negotiations, suggesting a meeting could be arranged but hinting the U.S. might act beforehand because events on the ground preceded the request. Separately, Trump said he would speak with Elon Musk about restoring internet access to Iran if possible.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry summoned the British ambassador in Tehran to protest the replacement of the Islamic Republic’s flag with the lion-and-sun flag at Iran’s embassy building in London. According to the ministry, senior official Alireza Yousefi also objected to the activity of certain Persian-language media outlets based in the UK. The move follows reports that Iranian protesters in London lowered the Islamic Republic flag on Saturday and installed the lion-and-sun flag in its place, turning the embassy site into a new flashpoint in the diaspora’s campaign.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said in a post on X that Iran’s violent repression of protesters is “horrific” and must stop immediately, arguing that people everywhere have the right to protest their government without fear of violence. She added that she supports Iranians who have taken to the streets to demand a better future.