Anti-Government Protests Continue to Rock Iran
Iran is currently experiencing widespread anti-government protests that have resulted in several deaths and a communication blockade in certain regions of the country. The unrest shows no signs of stopping, with demonstrations spreading across the nation.
Since the protests began in December of last year, reports indicate that at least 62 individuals have been killed. The initial trigger for the protests was rising inflation and the drastic devaluation of the rial, leading to public outrage.
State media in Iran has accused “terrorist agents” connected to the United States and Israel of instigating the violence. The protests, which started in Tehran, have now evolved into a nationwide movement reflecting widespread discontent with the current clerical leadership under Khamenei.
Despite initially avoiding discussing the casualties, Iranian state media has now acknowledged that there have been “casualties” without providing detailed information. Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) based in the US reported that more than 65 people have been killed and over 2,311 individuals have been detained during the protests.
The demonstrations have spread to 512 locations in 180 cities across all 31 provinces of Iran. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has directly criticized President Trump, labeling him as “arrogant” and accusing him of having blood on his hands from Iranians.
Khamenei has signaled a harsher stance against protesters and dismissed Trump’s support for peaceful demonstrations. He has also criticized Trump’s actions in other countries, claiming they are driven by oil interests.
Exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi has appealed to Trump for intervention, urging him to support the people of Iran. Pahlavi has been actively using social media to encourage Iranians to oppose the current regime and has garnered support from protesters.
As the protests continue, calls for Pahlavi’s return to Iran have been heard among anti-government chants. Pahlavi’s father was the last monarch of Iran before the Islamic Revolution in 1979.
