Protests in Iran have escalated sharply over rising inflation and a weakening currency. Thousands of demonstrators poured onto the streets across dozens of cities after an appeal by exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi.
Iran Cuts Internet Amid Nationwide Protests Over Inflation
Tehran: Protests against inflation and the weakening national currency have been intensifying in Iran for the past two weeks. The situation worsened on Thursday night when exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi appealed to people to come out of their homes and take to the streets to protest against the Islamic regime. Following his appeal, thousands of people took to the streets in many parts of the country, chanting anti-government slogans.
According to sources, large-scale protests are taking place in at least 50 cities across Iran. People were seen chanting slogans like "Down with the Islamic Republic" in several major cities, including the capital. To control the situation, the government deployed security forces and attempted to clear roads in several areas. There have also been reports of clashes between protesters and security forces.
Unrest escalates in Iran; At least 35 Killed, 1200 detained
According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, 39 people have died so far in the violence during the protests, while more than 2,260 have been detained. The agency says that arrests are continuing in several cities.
The most notable feature of these demonstrations was that slogans in support of Reza Pahlavi were raised in many places. This situation is considered unusual because until now, in Iran, slogans in support of the Shah have been punishable by severe punishment, even death. According to local residents, the chanting intensified as people took to the streets around 8 p.m. on Thursday.
Gen Z leads Iran unrest after Trump’s warning; Markets shut, streets burn
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump issued a statement in support of the Iranian people. He said that if attempts are made to suppress the voice of the people in Iran, "we will not let it go." The mention of Iran's Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi's visit to the United States before the 1979 Islamic Revolution has once again come into the spotlight.
In view of the growing protests, the Iranian regime has shut down internet and telephone services. According to the internet monitoring group NetBlocks, live data shows that connectivity for several service providers has been disrupted, leaving many areas of the country completely offline. Experts believe the situation could become more sensitive in the coming days.
