A wave of protests has been sweeping across Iran since December 28, leaving dozens dead, thousands detained, and causing massive internet outages, while US President Donald Trump warns of possible intervention if the Iranian government cracks down on the demonstrators.

The demonstrations began in Tehran by merchants protesting rising prices and the collapse of the rial (Iran's official currency) and quickly spread to 25 of the country's 31 provinces, according to local media and official statements.

Videos show protesters chanting slogans such as "This is the final battle, Pahlavi will return" and "Seyyed Ali will be deposed," referring to the ousted Shah and Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, in power since 1989.

Iranian President Calls for Dialogue

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called for "maximum restraint" and dialogue with the Protesters, while exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi called for demonstrations. "Great nation of Iran, the eyes of the world are upon you. Take to the streets and, as a united front, proclaim your demands," Pahlavi declared, warning that "the repression of the people will not go unanswered." Internet service disrupted. Since the start of the protests, internet access and telephone lines have been disrupted. The NGO Netblocks reported a “nationwide internet blackout” and digital censorship measures to curb the dissemination of information about the demonstrations. The death toll varies depending on the source: the NGO Iranian Human Rights (IHR) reports at least 45 protesters killed, including eight minors, more than 2,000 detained, and “hundreds” injured. These protests, initially motivated by economic issues, are the largest since those of 2022 following the death of Mahsa Amini. The current escalation also reflects a strong political component, with calls to overthrow Khamenei.

Trump and the International Reaction

President Donald Trump warned that the United States would “come to the aid” of peaceful protesters if they are violently attacked.Iran responded by accusing Washington of “hypocrisy” and reiterating that the US and Israeli statements represent a threat that will be met.

“If the enemy makes a mistake, it will receive a forceful response. We will not allow foreign interference to continue,” declared General Amir Hatami, commander-in-chief of the Iranian Army.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed solidarity with the protesters and noted that “it is possible for the Iranian people to take their destiny into their own hands,” while the United States and other countries continue to observe the situation.

So far, the NGO HRANA reports 36 protesters killed and 2,076 arrested. The unrest has spread to more than 92 cities, demonstrating the scale of the social and political discontent.

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