Iranians returned to the streets on Friday in one of the largest protest movements against the Islamic Republic in more than three years, despite a nationwide internet blackout imposed by authorities as part of a broader crackdown that has already left dozens dead.
US President Donald Trump weighed in on the unrest, stating that Iran’s leadership appeared to be “in big trouble” and repeating an earlier warning of potential military action if peaceful protesters are killed.
“It looks to me that the people are taking over certain cities that nobody thought were really possible just a few weeks ago,” Trump said.
The demonstrations, now entering their 13th day, were initially sparked by public anger over rising living costs but have evolved into wider calls for the end of the clerical system that has ruled Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which overthrew the pro-Western shah.
In Tehran’s northern Sa’adat Abad district, protesters banged pots and chanted slogans denouncing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, while car horns sounded in support, according to AFP-verified video footage. Similar demonstrations were reported across other Tehran districts, and videos from Persian-language television channels abroad showed large crowds in Mashhad, Tabriz, and the holy city of Qom.
Thursday saw the largest rallies since the 2022–2023 protests triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini, who died in custody after allegedly violating the country’s dress code for women.
Meanwhile, internet monitoring group NetBlocks confirmed a nationwide internet shutdown that has persisted for 24 hours, a move widely condemned as a violation of citizens’ rights and a measure to conceal regime violence. Amnesty International said the blackout “aims to hide the true extent of grave human rights violations and crimes under international law” committed to suppress the protests.
According to Iran Human Rights, a Norway-based NGO, at least 51 protesters, including nine children, have now been killed by security forces, with hundreds more injured. The toll had previously been reported at 45.
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Australia, Canada, and the European Union condemned the use of excessive force and called on Tehran to “immediately end the use of lethal force by its security forces.” “Too many lives — over 40 to date — have already been lost,” the statement said.
The protests continue to spread across cities despite heavy security presence and digital restrictions, highlighting widespread dissatisfaction with Iran’s economic and political conditions.
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