Key Points:
- Protests erupted in late December 2025 over economic hardship and currency collapse
- At least 42 protesters, including eight children, killed by security forces
- Over 2,270 demonstrators arrested across 140 cities in all 31 provinces
- Nationwide internet blackout imposed to prevent organization via social media
- Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi’s call sparked massive Thursday night demonstrations
- Protesters displayed pre-revolutionary “Lion and Sun” flags, chanting “Long live the Shah”
- US President Trump warned of “very harsh” response if Iran harms peaceful protesters
The protests in Iran, which have been ongoing for nearly two weeks, took a terrifying and violent turn on Thursday night as angry citizens grappling with economic hardship and political crisis unleashed widespread unrest across the country. Demonstrators set vehicles ablaze and targeted government offices and important broadcasting buildings to express their anger, creating a situation resembling civil war in the country.
Arson at Broadcasting Building
In Isfahan, a central district of Iran, protesters set fire to the building of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB). The state-run media institution’s building was quickly engulfed in flames, causing widespread panic within the administration. This attack is considered the biggest blow aimed at disrupting the regime’s information network. The unrest was triggered by a significant depreciation of the national currency against major foreign currencies, sparking anger that has morphed into nationwide demonstrations.
Midnight Clashes in Tehran
On the streets of Tehran, protesters chanted slogans and set fire to parked vehicles and motorcycles at midnight. The crowd’s anger was so intense that they attempted to break through security cordons to reach and damage government offices. Amidst burning cars and plumes of smoke, slogans of “Long live the Shah” echoed throughout the capital. The protests have reportedly expanded to 111 towns across all provinces, with significant crowds assembling in Tehran and various other cities that have not experienced unrest before.
Restrictions on Communication Services
To prevent further escalation of violence, Iranian authorities shut down internet and telephone services across the country, creating a nationwide blackout. The government believes that crowds are being organized through social media and that misleading videos are being shared to incite unrest. However, despite the restrictions, several videos have leaked showing massive crowds of protesters. Internet access has been cut for the first time since the anti-government demonstrations began in December, marking an escalation in the government’s crackdown.
Show of Strength and Old Symbols
Thousands of protesters marched through the streets of Tehran in what is considered the largest anti-government demonstration in many years. During the protests, the old Iranian flag with the “Lion and Sun” emblem was displayed on a prominent statue, posing a direct challenge to the regime. This suggests that the protesters are calling for fundamental change in the current government. The demonstrations have remained broadly leaderless, though the exiled crown prince’s call has increased pressure on Iran’s civilian government and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Casualties and Arrests
According to human rights agencies, at least 42 protesters have been killed in the violence so far, including eight children. Security forces have arrested more than 2,270 people, and seven security personnel have also reportedly been killed in the clashes. The Norway-based Iran Human Rights NGO confirmed that Wednesday was the deadliest day so far, with 13 confirmed deaths. Security forces have arbitrarily arrested hundreds of protesters, including children as young as 14, during protest dispersals and nightly raids on homes, with some detainees taken directly from hospitals. This wave of unrest has now spread to 140 cities and towns across all 31 provinces of Iran.
