Iranian Influencer's Viral Trump Dance Followed by Heartbreaking Loss
An Iranian social media influencer who gained global attention for recreating the 'Trump' dance in the wake of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's assassination has now spoken out about a personal tragedy, blaming the Islamic regime for her cousin's death. Moone Rahim, who describes herself on X as 'Your favourite Iranian baddie', initially shared a video on March 2 of herself performing the famous Trump YMCA dance, which has amassed nearly 10 million views.
A Grieving Accusation Against the Regime
On Wednesday, Rahim informed her 92,000 followers that she had lost her 'beloved cousin' the previous week, asserting that he 'would be alive if there was no Islamic regime.' In an emotional post on X, accompanied by a baby photo of herself with her cousin, she wrote: 'This picture was probably the last time I was really happy in my life, before I realized where I was born and where I live.'
The influencer, a PhD student in engineering based in the US according to her X bio, expressed deep sorrow and frustration. She claimed: 'The Islamic regime took everything I could have had: my freedom, my rights, my happiness, my youth, and so much more.' Rahim added that despite moving to America, she finds no solace, instead witnessing her hometown 'getting ruined' and her 'sisters and brothers getting murdered by the Islamic regime.'
Global Silence and Regime Crackdown
Rahim lamented the international community's inaction, stating: 'Every night one of us dies, and the whole world ignores us.' She accused the world of turning a blind eye to the suffering of innocent Iranians, including children and pregnant women, who are 'dying just so the IRGC ideology survives.' In her post, she concluded: 'They took our beautiful country, our lives, our families, and our freedom, and the whole world is just watching in silence,' before bidding, 'Rest in peace, my brother.'
Rahim was among numerous Iranians who took to social media to share videos of themselves performing the 'Trump dance' in celebration after a joint US-Israel military operation killed Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei on February 28. These videos depicted jubilant crowds dancing in streets and individuals recreating the fist-pumping move at home with friends.
Escalating Repression in Iran
Meanwhile, the Iranian regime has intensified its crackdown on civilians as the conflict persists. Reports earlier this month indicated that the regime has begun rounding up civilians accused of aiding enemies, while sending threatening texts to the population. One message warned that those who protest will face a 'blow stronger than January 8', referencing the date the regime initiated a violent massacre of anti-regime protesters.
Civilians have also been bombarded with messages containing false claims about US casualties and imminent victory, as reported by the Financial Times. A text from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) intelligence arm addressed to the 'people of Iran' stated: 'The wicked enemy, desperate to achieve its goals in the battlefield, is once again seeking to instill fear and instigate street chaos.' It threatened 'internal traitors' with severe repercussions.
Arrests and Executions Amidst Unrest
In a televised message, a regime figure declared: 'Once the dust from all this sedition settles, we'll grab you by the collar, one by one,' targeting 'liberals, supporters of the west and those in love with Zionism and imperialism.' He added ominously: 'We'll make your mothers mourn for you.'
Last week, regime police chief Ahmadreza Radan reported that Iran had arrested 500 people for allegedly sharing information with enemies, with half involving serious incidents such as providing targeting data or filming strike locations. In January, prior to the US-Israel war, widespread anti-government protests in Iran were met with the deadliest crackdown in the Islamic Republic's history. Authorities blamed Israel and the US for inciting 'violent riots'.
Mounting Death Toll and Human Rights Concerns
Tehran has acknowledged over 3,000 deaths during the unrest, attributing them to 'terrorist acts'. However, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has recorded more than 7,000 killings, warning the actual toll could be higher. The agency noted that the brutal crackdown resulted in the deaths of more than 220 children. Other human rights organizations have estimated even greater numbers, with medical professionals suggesting up to 30,000 could have been killed.
In a recent development, the regime executed three individuals accused of killing two police officers during anti-regime protests. Champion wrestler Saleh Mohammadi, 19, was reportedly publicly hanged along with Mehdi Ghasemi and Saeed Davoudi in Qom last Thursday, highlighting the regime's harsh stance against dissent.
