Nationwide protests in Iran against the current regime have persisted for over two weeks, with demonstrations in the capital and second-largest city intensifying into Sunday morning. Activists report at least 116 fatalities due to the violent clashes surrounding the protests, with an additional 2,600 individuals detained. The internet blackout and disrupted phone communication within Iran have made it challenging to gauge the situation accurately from abroad.
Concerns have been raised that the lack of information flow could embolden hard-line factions within Iran’s security apparatus to resort to harsh measures, despite warnings from U.S. President Trump expressing support for the peaceful demonstrators. Online videos, likely transmitted via Starlink satellite connections, depicted scenes of protesters gathering in Tehran’s Punak neighborhood, with authorities cordoning off streets while demonstrators waved mobile phones and banged on metal objects.
In Mashhad, the country’s second-largest city, protesters clashed with security forces, leading to scenes of flaming debris and blocked roads. Protests also erupted in Kerman, southeast of Tehran. Iranian state television aired footage of seemingly calm areas in various cities, excluding Tehran and Mashhad, while exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi urged demonstrators to continue their protests. The demonstrations have taken various forms, adapting to the heavy security presence and surveillance, including drone monitoring and security patrols in protest areas.
While some protesters have expressed support for the exiled shah, it remains unclear whether this signifies backing for Pahlavi himself or a yearning to return to the pre-1979 Islamic Revolution era. The unrest in Iran has captured global attention, with images and videos circulating online showcasing the evolving nature of the protests and the challenges faced by both demonstrators and security forces.
