Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has declared that the government will “not back down” despite nationwide demonstrations over rising living costs. The protests, some of the largest in nearly two weeks, have seen thousands of protesters fill streets across major cities.
Crowds of people have chanted slogans such as “death to the dictator” and set fire to government buildings in Tehran, Mashhad, Tabriz, and other cities. Authorities imposed a total internet blackout to curb the movement, leaving the country offline for hours, according to internet monitoring group Netblocks.
Khamenei described the protesters as “vandals” and “saboteurs” in a televised speech, asserting that the Islamic Republic will not yield. He also criticized the United States, warning that foreign powers seek to destabilize Iran. “Everyone knows the Islamic Republic came to power with the blood of hundreds of thousands of honorable people. It will not back down in the face of saboteurs,” Khamenei said.
Videos verified by AFP show thousands of protesters in Tehran’s Ayatollah Kashani Boulevard, with vehicles honking and chants targeting the Supreme Leader. Fires were reported at regional offices of state television in Isfahan and at government buildings in Shazand, Markazi province.
The demonstrations are the most significant since the 2022–2023 protests following Mahsa Amini’s death in custody. Human rights groups report that security forces have fired on protesters, killing dozens. However, recent footage from Tehran did not show direct intervention.
Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s former Shah, called for continued public demonstrations, urging citizens to mobilize and expand protests on Friday to weaken the government’s repressive power. The rallies highlight growing dissatisfaction among citizens and the rising tension between authorities and the Iranian population.
In other news read more about: Deadly Clashes in Iran as Security Forces Confront Protesters Amid Internet Blackout
The situation remains fluid, with both protesters and the government signaling they will continue their actions, raising concerns about potential escalation across the country.
