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Protests have continued across Iran as demonstrators defy an intensifying government crackdown aimed at suppressing a growing nationwide movement. Authorities imposed a widespread internet shutdown on Thursday, largely isolating protesters from the outside world. Despite this, videos that emerged showed thousands gathering in Tehran late Friday into early Saturday, chanting slogans such as “Death to Khamenei” and “Long live the shah.”
Additional demonstrations erupted late Saturday in northern Tehran, according to footage verified by AFP. Fireworks lit the sky over Punak Square as protesters banged pots and voiced support for the pre-1979 Pahlavi monarchy. In Mashhad, the hometown of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, crowds marched through the streets amid burning fires, openly defying authorities. Khamenei has denounced the protesters as “vandals” and accused the United States of stirring unrest.
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported that more than 570 protests have taken place across all 31 provinces of Iran. Former US president Donald Trump has repeatedly warned Iranian authorities against using lethal force, stating that the US would respond if protesters were killed. On Saturday night, he said the United States was “ready to help” Iranians seeking freedom, though he did not provide further details.
Iranian officials responded sharply. Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf warned that both US and Israeli forces would be considered legitimate targets if Washington took military action against Iran. His remarks marked the first time Israel was explicitly included in such threats. Lawmakers echoed the sentiment inside parliament, chanting anti-American slogans.
Authorities warned citizens not to join protests, with Attorney General Mohammad Mahvadi Azad stating that participants could be labeled “enemies of God,” a charge punishable by death. State television later clarified that even assisting demonstrators could result in the same accusation.
Despite the warnings, activists announced plans for continued protests. Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s former shah, urged people to occupy city centers and display the pre-revolutionary “lion and sun” flag. He said the movement’s goal had shifted from demonstrations to taking control of towns and promised to return to Iran.
The ongoing shutdown of internet and mobile services has made it difficult to assess the scale of the protests, now among the largest Iran has seen in years. Limited footage and testimony from activists using satellite connections described violent responses from security forces, including sniper fire and live ammunition.
While international media have been unable to independently verify all claims, multiple activists reported witnessing lethal force used against demonstrators. Human rights groups said such accounts align with reports they have received. The Human Rights Activist News Agency stated that at least 116 people have been killed and more than 2,600 detained, while authorities also reported casualties among security personnel.
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi warned that the communications blackout could be concealing a potential mass killing. She cited reports of hundreds of people being treated for eye injuries at a single Tehran hospital, suggesting the use of targeted force.
The protests began on 28 December over economic hardship but quickly evolved into calls for political change. Analysts say Iran’s leadership is particularly vulnerable following recent regional setbacks and a brief war with Israel.
Iranian officials have increasingly framed the protests as foreign-backed sabotage, vowing to defend national security. State television has attempted to minimize the unrest, portraying demonstrations as isolated incidents while warning parents to keep their children indoors.
International support for protesters has grown, with the US and European countries issuing statements of solidarity. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington stands with the “brave people of Iran.”
Human rights groups continue to document abuses, including videos showing families searching through bodies at Tehran hospitals and footage of forced confessions broadcast on state-affiliated media. Activists warn such confessions are often used to justify executions.
With communication channels restricted, activists have urged global media to maintain coverage, warning that security forces are using live ammunition against civilians and that the situation is rapidly deteriorating.
