Iran is witnessing its most serious wave of unrest since 2022, with protests entering their 13th day and spreading across major cities and provincial towns. The demonstrations, which began over a collapsing rial and soaring living costs, have escalated into broader political challenges to the authorities. Markets and bazaars have shut in several locations, and security forces have clashed with crowds in Tehran, Isfahan, and parts of western and northeastern Iran.
Rights groups report that at least 39 people have been killed and more than 2,000 detained. Internet monitoring services say selective disruptions appear to be linked to government action. Officials have confirmed some casualties among security personnel but have not provided a full account of the scale of the unrest.
The latest developments centre on a call by exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi for coordinated nightly chants and street protests, an appeal that was answered by crowds in several Tehran neighbourhoods and in other cities.
A new dimension has emerged with an appeal from exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi, who urged Iranians to chant and rally at a fixed evening hour over two nights. On Thursday, witnesses say the call was taken up in several neighbourhoods of the capital and in other cities, with slogans heard against the leadership and in support of the former monarchy. Analysts say the response could prove a key test of whether the protests remain fragmented or begin to converge around a broader political challenge.
Authorities have so far avoided a full nationwide shutdown, but security-linked media have warned of tighter monitoring and possible drone surveillance. Iran has also rejected warnings from Washington against violent repression, accusing the United States of interference. Across West Asia, governments and observers are closely watching whether this wave of unrest will fade, as in the past, or develop into a deeper crisis for Tehran.
Reza Pahlavi is the eldest son of Iran’s last monarch, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi and has lived in exile since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Based mainly in the United States, he has positioned himself as a prominent opposition figure advocating secular democracy, human rights and a peaceful transition of power in Iran, while calling for international support for Iranian protesters and maintaining a visible media and social media presence aimed at mobilising public opinion inside and outside the country.
The government is using all its might to stop the protests
According to the report, for the first few days, it was unclear what stance the government would take. An anti-rights police officer himself said that security forces were confused. No one knew exactly what was coming. But the bloody images and strong statements that emerged on Friday made it clear that full force was now being used.
Earlier, the government had virtually shut down internet and phone services nationwide. US President Donald Trump had also warned that the Iranian government would face heavy consequences if protesters were killed.
Experts fear the government will not hesitate to act ruthlessly
Experts say that as protests have spread into middle-class areas, the government is unlikely to hold back. They warn that the number of deaths could rise further in the coming days.
Iran is already facing conflict with Israel, international sanctions, a weak economy, and shortages of electricity and water. There are also deep divisions within the government.
President Masoud Pazhakian has taken a moderate public stance, but several ministers support harsher action. The government has accused the US and Israel of fuelling the protests.
Some protesters are raising slogans in support of Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s former shah, who has called from abroad for protests to intensify. Demonstrations have also spread to Kurdish regions. Many protesters say they have nothing left to lose.
Khamenei appeals: Don’t ruin the country to please Trump
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei addressed the nation on Friday for the first time since the protests began. His speech was broadcast on state television.
Khamenei said Iran would not tolerate “mercenaries working for foreigners”. He claimed foreign forces were behind the protests and were encouraging violence.
He said some troublemakers were trying to please the US president by damaging public property, but added that Iran’s united people would defeat their enemies. He told Donald Trump to focus on problems in his own country instead of interfering in Iran.
