Fleischmann addresses Iran unrest amid deadly protests

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Protests across Iran have taken a deadly turn, drawing global attention as citizens openly voice opposition to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the Iranian government.

Warning: Some of the footage circulating from Iran may be disturbing to some viewers.

The Iranian government has reportedly killed hundreds of protesters amid ongoing demonstrations.

The unrest comes in the wake of recent American strikes on Iranian facilities that international observers claim house parts of Iran’s nuclear program.

U.S. Congressman Chuck Fleischmann has strongly criticized Iran’s leadership, describing the country as a longstanding threat on the global stage.

He says Iran has “been a prime sponsor of international terrorism” and expressed hope for a change in leadership.

“They’ve been bad actors,” Fleischmann said. “I’m old enough to remember the Shah of Iran. Iran used to be a key U.S. ally in the Middle East. That is no longer the case.”

As of now, Congress has not taken formal action in response to the protests in Iran.

However, lawmakers continue to monitor the situation closely as violence escalates and international tensions remain high.