Protests continued in Iran on Friday night, as depicted in online videos, despite warnings from the country’s government to suppress demonstrations following the shutdown of the internet and disruption of communication lines. Since late December, over 65 individuals have lost their lives in the protests initially sparked by economic hardships in Iran, now evolving into a formidable challenge to the ruling regime.
State media has labeled the protesters as “terrorists,” potentially paving the way for a forceful crackdown akin to previous nationwide protests, despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s assurance to support peaceful demonstrators if required. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei criticized the protesters, accusing them of pleasing the U.S. president and neglecting their own nation’s affairs.
Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, Iran’s judiciary chief, vowed severe and uncompromising punishment for the protesters. International leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and French President Emmanuel Macron, jointly condemned the reported violence against protesters and urged Iran to allow its citizens to express dissent without fear of repercussions.
Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi urged Western governments to denounce Iran’s governing system, describing it as reliant on cruelty as a method of control. President Trump reiterated his commitment to intervene if protesters are harmed, emphasizing a strong stance against Iran. The ongoing protests have resulted in numerous casualties and detentions, as reported by rights groups.
Despite government restrictions on internet access and communication channels, activists shared brief videos showing protesters voicing their dissent against the Iranian government. Calls for demonstrations by Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s ousted Shah, have added momentum to the protests, with participants expressing anger over economic issues and chanting slogans against the regime.
The protests have triggered violent responses from security forces, leading to fatalities and detentions. State media reported incidents of violence, including attacks on public and private property, during the protests. Demonstrations have also been reported in various cities across Iran, indicating widespread discontent among the populace.