Exiled well-known Iranians issue message of solidarity against Tehran

A group of prominent exiled Iranian pro-opposition figures have issued a coordinated message predicting 2023 will be a year of "victory" with the regime shaken by protests.

Those sending the message include leaders from the fields of culture, human rights, and sports, France 24 informs.

The Iranian diaspora has long been seen as lacking unity, split into different political factions and strategies for dealing with the Islamic republic, that ousted the shah in 1979.

But with protests still continuing in Iran over 100 days after they were sparked by the death of young Iranian Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini, the message appears an attempt to find a long-sought unity.

"The year 2022 was a glorious year of solidarity for Iranians of every belief, language and orientation," it said.

"With organisation and solidarity, 2023 will be the year of victory for the Iranian nation. The year of freedom and justice in Iran."

The message was sent simultaneously on social media by a variety of figures, ranging from the influential US-based dissident Masih Alinejad to the son of the ousted shah, Reza Pahlavi, who also lives in the United States.