ISTANBUL
Anti-government protests in Iran have entered their third week, with demonstrations spreading nationwide amid an escalating crisis triggered by deepening economic hardship and the sharp depreciation of the Iranian rial. Many shopkeepers joined a nationwide strike, closing their businesses in response to worsening economic conditions.
The Iranian president said Sunday that his government is determined to address Iran’s economic problems. His remarks were the first since protests that began last month.
Ali Larijani, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, called for “decisive action” against what he called “rioters.”
Communication blackouts
A nationwide internet blackout and phone service cutoff have been in effect for over 72 hours, effectively isolating large parts of the population. London-based internet monitoring group NetBlocks said on Sunday that telemetry indicates the nationwide internet restriction “remains firmly in place.”
In clashes near Tehran’s suburbs, an Iranian police officer was reported killed during unrest, underscoring the rising toll on both sides of the conflict.
There are no official casualty figures, but some NGOs outside Iran estimate the death toll at 116, including both security forces and protesters, with over 1,000 injured.
Government warnings
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei publicly condemned what he described as “collaboration with foreigners,” condemning US President Donald Trump for exploiting public unrest and calling for unity in the nation.
Iranian officials have accused Washington and Tel Aviv of backing the increasingly violent protests, particularly in Tehran, where government buildings, banks, buses, and mosques have been set ablaze by armed protesters in recent days.
International reactions and impacts
Australia urged its citizens to leave Iran “as soon as possible” due to the ongoing violent nationwide protests that could escalate without notice.
President Donald Trump reiterated warnings Saturday to Tehran, stating that Washington was “watching very carefully” and would “hit them very hard where it hurts” if Iranian authorities killed protesters.
Iran’s parliament speaker warned Sunday that Israel, the US military, and shipping centers would be considered “legitimate targets” if Washington launches a military attack on Tehran.
The protests began on Dec. 28, sparked by economic grievances linked to inflation and currency collapse, and have since grown into broader anti-government expressions of discontent.