Recent protests in Iran, sparked in late December, were initially met with strong verbal support from both Israel and the United States, with promises of tangible assistance and intervention if the Iranian regime responded with violence. However, despite these assurances, there has been no public evidence of direct support or action from either country as the death toll among demonstrators has risen dramatically.

Washington is now debating whether to pursue military action or return to nuclear negotiations with Tehran, while Israeli officials have grown silent, citing concerns that overt involvement could endanger protesters further. This lack of follow-through has led to frustration and a sense of betrayal among activists, who argue that the early promises may have encouraged riskier protest actions under the false hope of external rescue.

Analysts warn that the credibility of both the United States and Israel is at stake, as protesters may lose faith in future assurances if this wave of unrest is crushed without meaningful support. The long-term consequence could be a deepening sense of futility among Iranians seeking change, as external backing is increasingly seen as rhetorical rather than real.