Thousands of Protesters took to the streets across Iran on Friday, despite an ongoing internet and cellular blackout. The demonstrations followed a call by the exiled son of the former Shah, urging citizens to rise up.
Videos shared online by activists show Tehran and other cities filled with debris and flames. Protesters gathered around fires, chanting anti-government slogans and defying the authorities. The internet shutdown has made it difficult to confirm the full scale of the unrest.
Iranian state media blamed the United States and Israel, accusing “terrorist agents” of inciting violence. Reports mention casualties, but official details remain limited. Meanwhile, human rights organizations report at least 42 people killed and more than 2,270 detained during clashes across the country.
Experts say the current wave of protests is the gravest challenge to the Islamic Republic in recent years. Holly Dagres, senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said the movement gained momentum after former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi called for nationwide demonstrations. She noted that the regime’s internet blackout was an attempt to conceal the protests and give security forces cover to act.
The protests began on December 28, triggered by Iran’s worsening economy, currency decline, and closures in Tehran’s bazaars. Since then, demonstrations have spread to major cities across the country. This is the largest protest wave since 2022–2023, when unrest erupted after the death of Mahsa Amini in custody.
Human rights groups say authorities have used excessive force, raiding hospitals and targeting injured individuals. Amnesty International condemned the government, stating that security forces have unlawfully wounded and killed both protesters and bystanders.
President Masoud Pezeshkian called for restraint and warned against violence. Despite official appeals, the streets of Tehran and other cities remain filled with demonstrators. The ongoing unrest highlights public anger over economic hardship and government policies, as Iranians continue to demand change.
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The situation remains tense, and authorities face international scrutiny as the country grapples with widespread dissent.
