Iran has descended into its largest anti-government uprising in years, with nationwide protests entering their 12th consecutive day. Security forces killed at least 45 demonstrators, according to the Norway-based group Iran Human Rights, while authorities responded by imposing a complete internet blackout and severing international phone lines on Thursday night.
The unrest erupted on December 28 when Tehran shopkeepers shut down the capital's bazaar after the rial currency plunged to record lows - reaching 1.4 million to the dollar. What began as economic grievances has exploded into anti-regime demonstrations across all 31 provinces, with protesters chanting "Death to the dictator!" and calling for the return of exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi.
The US-based Human Rights Activist News Agency reported protests in 348 locations nationwide, with over 2,270 people detained. The death toll includes eight minors, according to Iran Human Rights, whose director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam said Thursday: "The evidence shows that the scope of the crackdown is becoming more violent and more extensive every day"
Calls for regime change
Demonstrators have rallied behind Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, whose father fled Iran before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Pahlavi urged Iranians to unite, warning the regime: "I warn the Islamic Republic, its leader and the (Revolutionary Guard) that the world and (President Donald Trump) are closely watching you. Suppression of the people will not go unanswered."
Protesters in Tehran and Iran's second city Mashhad chanted "This is the last battle! Pahlavi will return!" - a sentiment that once carried a death sentence under the clerical establishment led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
International warnings escalate
US President Donald Trump issued a stark threat last week, telling radio host Hugh Hewitt that Washington "will come to their rescue" if Iran "violently kills peaceful protesters." Trump said Iranian authorities "been told very strongly... that if they do that, they're going to have to pay hell,"
Senator Lindsey Graham reinforced the warning on Fox News, telling Iran's leaders: "If you keep killing your people who are demanding a better life, Donald J. Trump is going to kill you" He added: "To the people of Iran, help is on the way."
Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul condemned the "excessive use of force" against protesters.
Regime blames foreign interference
Iranian state media on Friday made its first official statement on the unrest, claiming "terrorist agents" from the US and Israel sparked the violence. The brief morning news bulletin accused foreign actors of setting fires to "people's private cars, motorcycles, public places such as the metro, fire trucks and buses [...]."
Supreme Leader Khamenei acknowledged protesters have "legitimate" grievances but drew a line between demonstrators and what he called rioters. "Rioters must be put in their place." he declared on X this week.
Communication blackout and crackdown
Authorities cut internet access and international phone calls Thursday night as protests intensified following Pahlavi's call for mass demonstrations. Internet firm CloudFlare and advocacy group NetBlocks confirmed the nationwide blackout. Attempts to dial landlines and mobile phones from Dubai to Iran could not be connected.
Security forces have used increasingly violent tactics. Iran Human Rights accused authorities of shooting demonstrators directly, including a woman shot in the eye at a protest in Abadan. Amnesty International alleged security forces raided hospitals to detain wounded protesters. Revolutionary Guard members reportedly stormed a hospital in Ilam.
The crackdown has also claimed the lives of security personnel. Iranian media reported a police colonel suffered fatal stab wounds outside Tehran, while protesters killed two Revolutionary Guard members in Kermanshah.
Economic collapse fuels rage
The protests stem from Iran's severe economic crisis. The rial sank to record lows, with inflation hitting 40%. International sanctions over Iran's nuclear program caused the currency collapse, compounded by government mismanagement and corruption. The economy is also recovering from a June war against Israel.
Markets and bazaars across western provinces including Ilam, Kermanshah and Lorestan have shut down in solidarity with demonstrators. Tehran's Amir Kabir university postponed final exams for a week as the movement spread to higher education.
Note: Artificial Intelligence (AI) created this article.
