Iran: Anti-government demonstrations across Iran have continued for more than two weeks, with rights groups reporting a sharp rise in fatalities linked to the unrest, even as authorities have restricted internet access and external communications across the country.
According to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), at least 116 people have been killed since the protests erupted, while more than 2,600 individuals have reportedly been arrested. The organization, which has previously provided reliable casualty estimates during periods of unrest in Iran, said verifying information has become increasingly difficult due to widespread connectivity shutdowns and disrupted phone networks.
Despite the blackout, signs of continued demonstrations emerged on Sunday. Iranian state television acknowledged gatherings in parts of Tehran as well as Mashhad, though official coverage has largely focused on injuries and deaths among security personnel. Protesters killed during clashes are increasingly described by state media as “terrorists,” with little mention of civilian casualties.
The country’s leadership has signaled an uncompromising response. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has hinted at intensified enforcement, while Iran’s attorney general, Mohammad Movahedi Azad, issued a stark warning that participation in protests could lead to charges of “enmity against God,” a capital offense under Iranian law. State television aired statements indicating that even individuals accused of assisting demonstrators could face severe punishment, urging prosecutors to act swiftly and without leniency.
International reaction has grown sharper as the situation escalates. U.S. President Donald Trump voiced support for demonstrators in a social media post, describing the movement as a historic push toward freedom. Meanwhile, American media outlets reported that U.S. officials have discussed possible military options related to Iran, though no final decision has been announced. The U.S. State Department also issued a warning underscoring Trump’s resolve in dealing with Tehran.
Inside Iran, daily life has been disrupted. Although Saturday marked the start of the workweek, many schools and universities reportedly shifted to online instruction. Government websites continue to operate internally, even as broader access remains restricted. State television has aired repeated footage of pro-government rallies accompanied by patriotic music, alongside videos alleging armed attacks by protesters on security forces.
Independent footage verified by international media has shown large crowds chanting slogans against the country’s leadership in northern Tehran. Semi-official news agencies close to the Revolutionary Guard have released surveillance videos and reports claiming protesters used firearms, incendiary devices, and attacked government facilities. These outlets have also reported fatalities among members of the Basij militia and police forces in several provinces.
Authorities say they have detained hundreds of people accused of belonging to what they describe as organized “terror cells,” alleging the seizure of weapons and explosives. Funeral services for members of the security forces have been broadcast on state television, emphasizing the government’s narrative of restoring order.
Opposition voices outside Iran have urged continued demonstrations. Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi called on citizens to remain on the streets over the weekend and encouraged the use of pre-revolution national symbols as a form of protest. His involvement has drawn mixed reactions, particularly following recent regional tensions.
The protests initially erupted on December 28 following a sharp collapse of Iran’s currency, which has plunged to historic lows amid international sanctions and economic strain. What began as demonstrations over living costs has since evolved into a broader challenge to Iran’s political system.
International airlines have responded to the instability by suspending flights to the country. Austrian Airlines and Turkish Airlines confirmed cancellations to multiple Iranian destinations, citing safety concerns.
Human rights advocates have expressed alarm that the communications shutdown could enable a harsher crackdown. Ali Rahmani, son of imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi, warned that past protests under similar conditions resulted in mass casualties. “When the world cannot see, the risks multiply,” he said, voicing fears of a repeat of earlier bloodshed.
As Iran’s unrest continues behind a digital curtain, the full scale of events on the ground remains uncertain, fueling concern both inside the country and abroad.
