Iran is moving toward the end of its 13th straight day of widespread anti-government protests. At least 48 protesters reported killed so far, according to two human rights groups. Demonstrations have spread across several cities, with protesters demanding political change and accusing authorities of using excessive force to crush dissent.
The Iranian government has imposed a near-total internet blackout, while world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, have issued warnings and statements as concerns rise over violence against civilians.
Amid the escalating protests, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addressed the nation and criticised the United States. He accused the American president of arrogance and claimed that his actions had harmed the Iranian people. He also said the US leader should focus on problems within his own country instead of commenting on Iran.
Iran’s top leader dismissed protesters as people damaging their own streets to please a foreign power and made it clear that the government would not back down.
The remarks came after repeated warnings from the United States over Iran’s handling of the protests. The US president had earlier said that Iran would face severe consequences if security forces continued killing protesters. He also claimed the situation in the country was deteriorating rapidly and suggested that Iran’s leadership was under serious pressure.
The protests began over economic issues, including inflation, unemployment, and the rapid fall of the Iranian rial. Over time, the anger spread and turned into a nationwide movement against the government and its handling of the economy.
By Thursday, the agitation had grown into the largest anti-government protests Iran has seen in years. Demonstrations continued into Friday, with markets and bazaars shutting down in support of protesters. While many gatherings were peaceful, clashes between protesters and security forces turned violent in several places.
According to international news agencies, at least 42 people have died during the unrest so far. Thousands have been detained, with human rights groups estimating that more than 2,200 people have been arrested in connection with the protests. The exact figures remain unclear due to restrictions on information coming out of the country.
Iranian state media blamed foreign forces, including the US and Israel, for inciting violence. Reports on state television claimed that public property, vehicles, and transport infrastructure had been set on fire and that there were casualties as a result. Unverified videos circulating online showed protesters chanting slogans and gathering around bonfires, though the authenticity of some footage could not be independently confirmed.
Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who lives abroad, appealed to Iranians to continue protesting and urged them to take to the streets at a fixed time in the evenings.
Here are the latest updates on protests in Iran:
- Video from Iran’s second-largest city, Mashhad, shows large crowds gathering as protests continue to spread.
