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ConflictsIran

Iran's opposition: United, divided, ready to take over?

Melissa Chan | Niloofar Gholami
March 2, 2026

US President Donald Trump called on Iranians to seize a "glorious future." But who is he talking to? Is there a real opposition or a leaderless uprising?

https://p.dw.com/p/59gII

In early January 2026, Iran embarked on a brutal suppression of protesters, killing its citizens in the thousands. Then, at the end of February, the US and Israel began airstrikes on Iran.

US President Donald Trump told Iranian citizens that "now is the time to seize control of your destiny and to unleash the prosperous and glorious future that is close within your reach."

But who was he addressing ― who is the opposition in Iran? DW takes a closer look.

 DW Autorin Niloofar Gholami
Niloofar Gholami Multimedia journalist focusing on Iran