Protests spreading across Iran entered their second week early Sunday, with the authorities publicly acknowledging the unrest even as security measures intensified and the country remained largely cut off from the outside world. Severe restrictions on internet access and telephone services have made it increasingly difficult to independently assess the scale of the demonstrations, though reports from rights groups and scattered footage suggest the movement continues to grow despite the crackdown.
According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 72 people have been killed so far during the protests, while more than 2,300 individuals have been detained by security forces. Iranian state television, meanwhile, has focused its coverage on casualties among security personnel and has sought to project an image of order and control across the country, downplaying the extent of public dissent.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has indicated that tougher action lies ahead, brushing aside warnings from the United States. Iran’s attorney general, Mohammad Movahedi Azad, escalated the rhetoric on Saturday by declaring that anyone participating in the protests would be treated as an “enemy of God,” a charge that can carry the death penalty. He warned that even individuals accused of assisting protesters would face the same severe punishment, signalling a zero-tolerance approach from the state.
In contrast, US President Donald Trump voiced support for the demonstrators, posting online that Iran was closer to freedom than ever before and that the United States stood ready to assist. The US State Department reinforced this stance, issuing a warning that the Iranian leadership should take Trump’s statements seriously and not dismiss them as mere rhetoric.
Saturday marked the start of the work week in Iran, though reports suggested that many schools and universities shifted to online instruction amid the unrest. While most international-facing websites remained inaccessible, internal government platforms were believed to be functioning. State television continued its messaging campaign, repeatedly broadcasting patriotic music and footage of pro-government rallies, alongside videos allegedly showing protesters using firearms against security forces.
Official broadcasts claimed that calm had largely returned to most cities overnight, asserting that no major gatherings had taken place after what it described as attacks by armed groups on public and private property. However, this narrative was contradicted by verified online videos showing large crowds demonstrating in parts of northern Tehran, where chants openly calling for the downfall of the supreme leader could be heard.
Semi-official media outlets released surveillance footage purportedly showing violent clashes in cities such as Isfahan, including scenes of protesters firing weapons, setting fires and attacking government facilities. Reports also emerged of multiple members of the Basij militia and other security officials being killed in different provinces, further underscoring the intensity of the confrontation.
Another semi-official news agency claimed that nearly 200 people had been arrested as part of what it described as “terrorist teams,” alleging that those detained possessed firearms, grenades and incendiary devices. State television also aired images from funerals held for security personnel, attended by large crowds in religious cities such as Qom.
Despite the heavy crackdown, calls for further demonstrations continued. Iran’s exiled crown prince urged people to return to the streets over the weekend, encouraging them to reclaim public spaces and use national symbols associated with the period before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. While some protesters have echoed slogans linked to the former monarchy, it remains unclear whether this reflects support for specific leaders or a broader rejection of the current system.
The protests began on December 28, initially triggered by the collapse of the Iranian rial, which has plunged to record lows amid economic mismanagement and international sanctions tied to Iran’s nuclear programme. What started as anger over living costs has since evolved into direct challenges to the country’s clerical leadership and its legitimacy.
As unrest persists, international airlines have begun suspending flights to Iran, citing safety concerns. Observers and activists have warned that the communications blackout could enable an even harsher crackdown, recalling past protests in which security forces killed hundreds. Families of political prisoners and dissidents have expressed deep concern, fearing that the rising toll could worsen as the confrontation between protesters and the state continues.
