Anti-government slogans rang out across Tehran late Saturday as thousands of Iranians took to the streets despite an internet shutdown and a heavy security deployment. Activists say the unrest marks the largest wave of protests the Islamic Republic has faced in more than three years.
Now in its second week, the demonstrations have prompted a violent crackdown, drawn strong international reactions and escalated tensions between Tehran and Washington.
US President Donald Trump has described the uprising as a “freedom movement.” However, rights groups cited by the Associated Press estimate that at least 544 people — most of them protesters — have been killed so far. The report noted that the toll cannot be independently verified due to strict controls on information leaving Iran.
What’s happening in Iran
The protests erupted on December 28 following the sharp collapse of the Iranian rial and soaring prices, but quickly evolved into direct challenges to the clerical establishment that has governed Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Iran’s currency has fallen to more than 1.4 million rials per US dollar, while the economy continues to strain under international sanctions, many linked to Tehran’s controversial nuclear programme.
Night-time demonstrations have been reported in Tehran, Mashhad and several other cities, with crowds chanting slogans, clapping in rhythm and holding up illuminated mobile phones. Unverified videos circulating on social media suggest the protests are widespread and growing.
According to the Associated Press, some footage may have been transmitted using Starlink satellite connections. Videos show large crowds gathering in Tehran’s Punak neighbourhood, fireworks lighting up the sky and protesters banging metal objects as authorities block streets. Clips from Mashhad depict clashes with security forces, smoke from fires and debris scattered across roads.
One video authenticated by AFP showed dozens of bodies outside a morgue in Kahrizak, south of Tehran. The footage appeared to show bodies wrapped in black bags as relatives searched for missing loved ones. Rights groups say the images underscore the scale of the crackdown.
‘Massacre’ under blackout
Earlier, AFP cited the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) as saying it had received “eyewitness accounts and credible reports indicating that hundreds of protesters have been killed across Iran during the current internet shutdown.”
“A massacre is unfolding in Iran. The world must act now to prevent further loss of life,” the group said.
Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on the United States and Israel, announcing a nationwide rally to denounce what state media described as “terrorist actions led by the United States and Israel.”
President Masoud Pezeshkian accused Iran’s enemies of bringing in “terrorists” who, he claimed, set mosques on fire and attacked banks and public property, blaming Washington and Tel Aviv for orchestrating the instability.
Trump’s warning: What’s next for Iran
As protests intensified, Trump said Iran had sought negotiations after he threatened military action over Tehran’s handling of the unrest.
“The military is looking at it, and we’re looking at some very strong options,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, according to US media. Asked about Iran’s threats of retaliation, he warned: “If they do that, we will hit them at levels that they’ve never been hit before.”
Trump said his administration was working to arrange talks with Tehran but cautioned that developments on the ground could force action first. “I think they’re tired of being beat up by the United States,” he said. “Iran wants to negotiate.” Iran has not publicly confirmed any outreach.
Reuters reported that Trump was scheduled to meet senior advisers on Tuesday to discuss options that could include military strikes, cyber operations, tighter sanctions and increased online support for anti-government groups. Trump also said he would speak with Elon Musk about restoring internet access in Iran via Starlink.
Iran lawmakers’ warning
Iranian rhetoric hardened further during a parliamentary speech by Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, a hardliner and former commander of the Revolutionary Guards.
“In the event of an attack on Iran, both the occupied territory and all American military centers, bases and ships in the region will be our legitimate targets,” Qalibaf said, according to Iran International. “We will not wait to respond after an attack and will act based on any objective signs of a threat.”
Analysts note that any decision to launch a strike would ultimately rest with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86. Iran’s air defences were significantly damaged during last year’s brief conflict with Israel, potentially limiting its military response.
