Since late December, widespread protests have swept across Iran, with the Norway-based Iran Human Rights NGO reporting that at least 45 demonstrators have been killed by security forces. What began as demonstrations over economic hardship has grown into a nationwide challenge to the country’s leadership.
Streets of Tehran Fill With Protesters
On Thursday night, residents of Tehran and other cities took to the streets and shouted from their homes following a call from exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi for mass demonstrations. Witnesses described chants of “Death to the dictator!” and “Death to the Islamic Republic!” alongside supporters of the former monarchy shouting, “This is the last battle! Pahlavi will return!”
Pahlavi urged citizens to unite and make their demands heard, warning the Iranian government and Revolutionary Guard that suppression would not go unanswered. Almost immediately, internet access and telephone lines were cut across Iran. Reports from Cloudflare and NetBlocks indicate the blackout was caused by government interference, a tactic often preceding heavy crackdowns. Calls from Dubai to Iran also failed, leaving families unable to communicate.
Rising Casualties and Arrests
The protests, which spread to cities and rural towns, have prompted market and bazaar closures in solidarity. According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, violence has claimed at least 39 lives and led to over 2,260 detentions. Despite their scale, the demonstrations remain largely leaderless, leaving uncertainty over the movement’s future. Analysts note that Iran’s security forces have historically targeted dissident leaders, limiting the emergence of organized opposition.
Global Attention and Warnings
International attention is mounting. US President Donald Trump warned that violent suppression of peaceful protesters would trigger American intervention, a statement condemned by Iran’s Foreign Ministry as “hypocritical.” European Parliament President Roberta Metsola praised the courage of Iranian citizens, saying, “The world is once again witnessing the brave people of Iran stand up. Their cry for freedom, dignity, and the choice to govern themselves has been heard across the globe.”
As protests continue despite blackouts and security threats, Iran faces growing internal pressure while the global community closely watches the unfolding unrest.
