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.