Iran Protests Escalate Sharply as Nationwide Internet Cut Fuels Exiled Prince’s Call to Action

A sweeping internet shutdown, a widening security crackdown and a rising death toll have sharply escalated nationwide protests in Iran, which began on December 28 with a shutdown of Tehran’s Grand Bazaar and have since grown into a broad movement against economic decline.

Iran on Thursday witnessed its largest anti-government demonstrations in two weeks, as public anger over a weakening economy and the falling value of the rial fueled confrontations between protesters and the clerical leadership.

At least 42 people have been killed since the unrest began, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). The dead include 29 civilian protesters, eight security personnel, and five children or adolescents under 18, HRANA said.

Norway-based group Iran Human Rights reported that 13 protesters were killed on Wednesday alone, underscoring the sharp escalation in violence.

Mass Rallies in Tehran and Beyond

Videos circulating on social media showed large crowds flooding streets in Tehran, chanting slogans against the government. AFP reported a massive gathering along Ayatollah Kashani Boulevard in northwest Tehran, while additional demonstrations were seen in the oil city of Abadan.

Unverified posts on X claimed clashes in which security forces were chased, government buildings set ablaze, and protests spread to cities including Mashhad, though these accounts could not be independently confirmed.

Protests Spread Nationwide

HRANA said demonstrations were reported in at least 46 cities across 21 provinces on Thursday. Market shutdowns were also reported in Kurdish-majority areas, with cities in Kurdistan, West Azerbaijan, Kermanshah and Ilam provinces joining strikes.

Authorities have intensified arrests, with around 60 more people detained on Thursday, HRANA said. Since December 28, more than 2,277 people have been arrested, including at least 166 minors and 48 university students. The group also reported 45 cases of forced confessions broadcast on state television since the protests began.

Nationwide Internet Blackout

Internet monitoring group NetBlocks said live data showed Iran was experiencing a nationwide internet blackout, following a series of escalating censorship measures aimed at disrupting protest coordination.

“The shutdown severely limits the public’s ability to communicate at a critical moment,” NetBlocks said.

Exiled Iranian crown prince Reza Pahlavi condemned the blackout, accusing authorities of silencing dissent through internet disruptions and attempted satellite jamming. He urged European leaders to support Iranian protesters and hold the government accountable, citing US President Donald Trump’s stance.

Trump Warns Tehran

Trump on Thursday issued a renewed warning to Iran’s leadership, saying the United States would take “very severe action” if authorities escalated violence against protesters.

“If they start killing people, we will hit them very hard,” Trump said.

The Iranian government has not released updated casualty figures or provided a detailed response to the allegations from rights groups.