An Iranian psychologist has been sentenced to seven months in prison after posting a video urging former President Donald Trump to fulfill his pledge to support Iranians protesting the Islamic Republic. Seyed Ahmad Seyedabdollahi, 32, was arrested 10 days after releasing the English-language video on January 4, 2026.
In the video, reviewed by Fox News Digital, Seyedabdollahi directly addressed Trump, stating that many young Iranians trusted his words and that those who helped the Iranian people would be remembered. "To prove your good intentions to the Iranian people, either do something without saying anything or act very quickly on your words, because many young people trust what you say," he said. He added, "I assure you that the Iranian nation remembers good deeds well, and they will try to repay their friends in the future."
Ten days after the video's posting, on January 14, 2026, Seyedabdollahi was arrested at his father's home in Borujen. According to human rights organizations, plainclothes agents confiscated his electronic devices. He was subsequently held in solitary confinement and at an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps intelligence detention facility in Isfahan.
A relative of Seyedabdollahi told Fox News Digital that authorities applied significant pressure on the psychologist, including repeated interrogations and extended periods in solitary confinement. The relative also alleged that Iranian authorities attempted to coerce Seyedabdollahi into recording a video that would contradict his original message, insult Trump, and make Americans appear foolish.
Branch One of the Borujen Revolutionary Court convicted Seyedabdollahi of "engaging in media activities against national security." In addition to the prison sentence, he was barred from government and public services for five years. He began serving his sentence in Borujen Prison in July 2026. His family reported that he was denied access to a lawyer of his choosing during his detention and faced difficulties communicating with them.
Iranian authorities have also opened a second case against Seyedabdollahi on charges translated as "propaganda against the establishment." During interrogations, Seyedabdollahi was reportedly accused of being connected to the CIA and Mossad and of receiving payment for his video, claims his relative stated were false.
The prohibition on public and government employment, coupled with his prison sentence, threatens Seyedabdollahi's future livelihood amid Iran's economic conditions, according to his relative.
Seyedabdollahi was among several Iranians who appealed to Trump during the nationwide protests in January 2026. These demonstrations were largely triggered by economic issues, including soaring inflation and the collapse of the rial, and evolved into broader demands for political change. The crackdown by Iranian authorities resulted in mass arrests, with one report citing over 50,000 arrests in just over six weeks. The U.N. human rights chief stated that at least 56 people had been executed on national-security-related charges since March 2025, including 27 linked to the January protests.