Since late December, nationwide protests in Iran have intensified, with the Norway-based Iran Human Rights NGO reporting that at least 45 demonstrators have been killed by security forces. What began as protests over economic hardship has now evolved into a broader movement challenging the country’s leadership.
Streets of Tehran Fill with Chants and Defiance
On Thursday night, residents across Tehran and other cities answered a call from exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi for mass demonstrations. Witnesses reported chants of “Death to the dictator!” and “Death to the Islamic Republic!” while some called for the return of the monarchy, shouting, “This is the last battle! Pahlavi will return!”
Pahlavi urged citizens to unite and make their voices heard, warning the Iranian government and Revolutionary Guard that “suppression of the people will not go unanswered.” Almost immediately, internet access and telephone lines were cut, with reports from Cloudflare and NetBlocks attributing the blackout to government interference—a tactic often preceding severe crackdowns.
Rising Casualties and Mass Arrests
The protests have spread to cities and rural areas, with markets and bazaars shutting down in solidarity. Violence surrounding the demonstrations has claimed at least 39 lives and led to more than 2,260 arrests, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. Despite the scale of unrest, the movement remains largely leaderless, leaving its long-term direction uncertain. Analysts note that past protests in Iran have struggled due to the arrest, exile, or persecution of potential dissident leaders.
Global Attention and Political Pressure
The demonstrations have captured international focus. US President Donald Trump warned that America would intervene if peaceful protesters were violently attacked, prompting a sharp response from Iran’s Foreign Ministry, which called the warning “hypocritical.” European Parliament President Roberta Metsola praised the courage of Iranian citizens, stating, “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 communication blackouts persist and security forces remain on high alert, Iran faces mounting internal pressure while the world watches the unfolding protests closely.
