DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iranian protesters marched through the streets into Friday morning following a call for demonstrations by the country’s exiled crown prince, even as Iran’s government cut off internet and international telephone access.
Short online videos shared by activists showed protesters chanting against the Iranian government around bonfires, with debris littering the streets in Tehran and other areas. Iranian state media alleged “terrorist agents” of the U.S. and Israel sparked violence and set fires, reporting “casualties” without providing details.
- The protests began over Iran’s ailing economy and have escalated into the most significant challenge to the government in several years.
- Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi called for demonstrations Thursday night and again Friday, representing the first test of his influence over the Iranian public.
- At least 42 people have been killed and over 2,270 detained in connection with the protests, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.
The full scope of the demonstrations remains unclear due to the communications blackout, though the protests have intensified since beginning Dec. 28. Demonstrations have included calls for the return of the shah, a sentiment that was previously punishable by death.
Holly Dagres, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said the protests were spurred by Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi’s calls to take to the streets Thursday and Friday. “Per social media posts, it became clear that Iranians had delivered and were taking the call seriously to protest in order to oust the Islamic Republic,” she said.
Pahlavi stated the internet shutdown was an attempt to prevent the world from seeing the protests and to provide cover for security forces. He called on European leaders to join U.S. President Donald Trump in holding the Iranian government accountable and restoring communication access.
Thursday night protests preceded internet shutdown
Witnesses said neighborhoods across Tehran erupted in chanting at 8 p.m. Thursday, including “Death to the dictator!” and “Death to the Islamic Republic!” Thousands were on the streets before communication with Iran was cut off.
Pahlavi said the government shut down the internet and landlines and may attempt to jam satellite signals. He pledged to offer further plans depending on the response to his call.
His support of Israel has drawn criticism. Demonstrators have shouted in support of the shah, but it is unclear whether this is support for Pahlavi or a desire to return to the pre-1979 era.
The internet cut also affected Iranian state-run and semiofficial news agencies. State TV’s acknowledgment of the demonstrations at 8 a.m. Friday was the first official word about the protests.
State TV claimed violence caused casualties and that protesters set fire to private cars, motorcycles, public places, fire trucks and buses.
Trump renews threat over protester deaths
Iran has faced rounds of nationwide protests in recent years. The rial currency collapsed in December, reaching 1.4 million to $1, following tightened sanctions and struggles after a 12-day war. Protests began soon after, with demonstrators chanting against the theocracy.
It remains unclear why Iranian officials have not cracked down harder on the demonstrators. Trump warned last week that the U.S. would “come to their rescue” if Tehran “violently kills peaceful protesters.”
Trump reiterated his pledge in an interview with Hugh Hewitt, warning Iran they would “have to pay hell” if they killed protesters. He demurred when asked if he would meet with Pahlavi, stating he should let events unfold.
In an interview with Sean Hannity, Trump suggested Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei may be looking to leave Iran, saying “He’s looking to go someplace. It’s getting very bad.”
Discover more from Archyworldys
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
