Iran Protests Escalate as Regime Threatens Crackdown and Internet Remains Cut Off
Iran is grappling with widespread unrest, now entering its third week, despite increasingly severe threats from the government and a near-total internet blackout aimed at stifling dissent. Reports indicate at least 116 people have been killed in the protests, which began in late December as demonstrations against Iran’s struggling economy but quickly evolved into a significant challenge to the ruling theocracy.
A Nation Disconnected: Details Warfare and Rising Death Toll
The Iranian government severed access to the internet and international telephone lines on thursday night, a move widely condemned as an attempt to suppress information and prevent protesters from organizing. Connectivity levels have plummeted to around 1% of normal, according to monitoring organization NetBlocks, creating a dangerous information vacuum. This blackout coincides with a brutal crackdown, with authorities increasingly labeling demonstrators as “terrorists” while downplaying the number of casualties.
Despite the censorship, online videos continue to surface, offering a stark contrast to the state-controlled narrative.
U.S. Response and International Condemnation
The United States has strongly condemned the Iranian government’s actions, with President Trump warning that Tehran is “playing with fire.” Several U.S. officials have even hinted at military action, stating, “We’ll start shooting too.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed this sentiment, declaring U.S. support for “the brave people of Iran.”
However, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has fiercely condemned U.S. involvement, accusing President Trump of having hands “stained with the blood of Iranians.” Speaking on Iranian state TV, Khamenei claimed protesters were acting “in order to please the president of the United States,” and urged Trump to focus on his own country’s problems.
Regime Hardens its Stance: “Enemy of God” Charges and Impending Trials
Tehran has escalated its threats against protesters, with Attorney General Mohammad Movahedi Azad declaring that anyone participating in the demonstrations will be considered an “enemy of God,” a charge that carries the death penalty. He further stated that even those who “helped rioters” woudl face the same severe punishment. Prosecutors have been instructed to expedite indictments and prepare for “decisive confrontation” without “leniency, compassion or indulgence.” Iran’s judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, echoed this sentiment, vowing “decisive, maximum and without any legal leniency” in punishing protesters.
The Role of the Diaspora and the Exiled Crown Prince
Adding another layer of complexity, Iran’s exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has emerged as a vocal figurehead for the opposition. He has called on Iranians to “seize and hold city centers” by overwhelming security forces,urging continued demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday. Pahlavi,who has lived in exile for nearly 50 years,has declared he is “preparing to return to my homeland,” suggesting his return is “very near.” However, his level of support within Iran remains unclear, given his father, the Shah, was widely despised before his own exile in 1979. Demonstrations have included calls for the Shah, but it is uncertain whether this represents support for Pahlavi or a longing for the pre-revolutionary era.
State Media vs. Reality: A Battle for Narrative Control
Iranian state television continues to portray a narrative of control,showcasing pro-government demonstrations and reporting on casualties among security forces.However, this narrative is directly contradicted by verified online videos showing ongoing protests, including a presentation in Tehran’s Saadat Abad area where protesters chanted “Death to Khamenei!” Surveillance footage released by the semiofficial Fars news agency purportedly shows clashes in Isfahan, with protesters allegedly firing weapons and setting fires. State media also reported deaths among members of the Revolutionary Guard’s Basij force in Gachsaran, as well as security officials killed in several other cities.
Despite the internet shutdown, Qatar’s al Jazeera remains one of the few foreign news outlets able to report live from Iran. The ongoing struggle for control of information underscores the regime’s desperation to maintain its grip on power as the protests continue to challenge its authority.
