Demonstrations continued across Iran after dark, with crowds gathering in Tehran, Isfahan, Mashhad, Tabriz and other cities despite gunfire, blocked roads and widespread disruptions to communications, following massive rallies the previous night.
Protests Erupt Across Iran
Eyewitnesses in Tehran described demonstrators regrouping in multiple neighborhoods, blocking major roads, setting fire to police vehicles, and chanting anti-government slogans as security forces attempted to disperse them. Chants of “Death to the dictator” and “Neither Gaza nor Lebanon, my life for Iran” echoed through the capital, accompanied by continuous car horns in acts of defiance.
In Isfahan, video showed a large crowd chanting “Khamenei is a murderer, his rule is illegitimate,” alongside monarchist slogans including “Long live the King.” In Mashhad, protesters filled major streets chanting “This is the last battle, Pahlavi will return.”
Footage from Tabriz showed protesters marching through city streets as gunfire rang out, while other videos captured demonstrators disabling surveillance cameras and erecting makeshift barricades. Similar scenes were reported in southern and central cities, with crowds converging on symbolic locations, burning banners and posters associated with the Islamic Republic, and remaining in the streets for hours despite internet outages and disruptions to phone service and electronic payments.
Witnesses reported security forces appearing overstretched in some areas, relying on intimidation tactics, warning shots and use of force. In southeastern Iran, rights groups reported security forces firing directly on protesters in Zahedan after Friday prayers, wounding several people.
Authorities Threaten Executions, Tighten Pressure
Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei warned US President Donald Trump that he would be brought down, stating, “Trump should know that world tyrants such as Pharaoh, Nimrod, Reza Shah and Mohammad Reza were brought down at the peak of their arrogance. He too will be brought down.” He added that the Islamic Republic would not retreat in the face of unrest, asserting it was established “with the blood of hundreds of thousands of honorable people.”
Tehran’s public prosecutor, Ali Salehi, said those accused of arson, destruction of public property or armed clashes with security forces would face charges of moharebeh, an offense punishable by death under Iranian law.
Ali Larijani, Iran’s security chief, blamed “armed protesters” for fatalities during the unrest and said security forces had begun arresting alleged ringleaders. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards intelligence organization issued a warning stating the continuation of protests was “unacceptable.” The Supreme National Security Council accused foreign powers of steering the unrest and said security forces and the judiciary would show no leniency toward what it called saboteurs. Education officials announced schools in several provinces would move to online classes, citing security concerns and disruptions caused by the blackout.
Exiled Prince Urges Sustained Action and Strikes
Exiled Prince Reza Pahlavi urged protesters to return to the streets over the weekend, push toward central city areas and prepare for prolonged presence. He also called on workers in transportation, oil, gas and the broader energy sector to begin nationwide strikes aimed at cutting off state revenues. Pahlavi said he was preparing to return to Iran and stand alongside protesters.
International Pressure Builds
UN human rights chief Volker Türk said he was “deeply disturbed” by reports of violence and urged independent investigations and restoration of communications. The European Union condemned any excessive use of force and called for restraint, while France, Britain and Germany issued a joint statement urging Iranian authorities to protect peaceful assembly.
US President Donald Trump warned Iran against killing protesters and said Washington was watching closely, while the State Department cautioned Tehran not to test US resolve. Several airlines, including Flydubai and Turkish Airlines, cancelled flights to Iran as unrest intensified.
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