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Iran accuses US of fueling unrest as protests enter third week
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has labeled anti-government demonstrators as "troublemakers" acting to "please the US president," as authorities escalate a violent crackdown on nationwide protests. The unrest, now in its 13th day, began over economic grievances but has evolved into the largest challenge to the Islamic Republic in years, with some calling for the restoration of the monarchy.
Casualties and arrests mount amid internet blackout
Human rights groups report at least 48 protesters and 14 security personnel killed since demonstrations erupted on December 28. The US-based Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA) states over 2,277 individuals have been arrested, while the Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) puts the death toll at 51, including nine children. BBC Persian has independently verified the identities of 22 victims through family accounts.
An almost total internet blackout, imposed late Thursday, has severely restricted information flow. Monitoring groups Cloudflare and NetBlocks noted minor traffic resumes on Friday, but connectivity remains critically low. The shutdown has disrupted financial transactions, leaving cash machines inoperable and forcing residents to rely on physical currency.
Khamenei defiant as US and Europe condemn crackdown
In a televised address Friday, Khamenei vowed the Islamic Republic would not yield to dissent, declaring, "The Islamic Republic came to power through the blood of hundreds of thousands and will not back down." He later reiterated Iran's resolve to confront "destructive elements" during a gathering of supporters.
"Let everyone know that we will not shirk from dealing with destructive elements."
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader
Iran's UN ambassador accused the US of "interfering in Iran's internal affairs through threats and incitement," in a letter to the Security Council. The letter blamed Washington for transforming protests into "violent subversive acts and widespread vandalism."
International reactions and warnings of escalation
US President Donald Trump warned Iran of severe consequences, stating, "We will be hitting them very hard where it hurts," while clarifying that US involvement would not involve ground troops. Trump noted the protests appeared to be gaining momentum, with demonstrators seizing control of "certain cities that nobody thought were really possible."
Leaders of the UK, Germany, and France issued a joint statement condemning the violence by Iranian security forces and urging authorities to respect freedoms of expression and assembly. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric echoed these concerns, emphasizing governments' duty to protect peaceful protest rights.
Security forces issue stark warnings
Iran's National Security Council, responsible for domestic security, threatened "decisive legal action" against protesters, whom it described as "armed vandals." The council warned against attacks on military, law-enforcement, or government facilities. Meanwhile, the intelligence arm of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) pledged to continue operations until the "complete defeat of the enemy's plan," labeling acts of dissent as "terrorist."
Protests spread across Iran despite risks
Videos verified by BBC Verify and BBC Persian show protests in 67 locations nationwide. In Zahedan, demonstrators gathered after Friday prayers, chanting "death to the dictator" in reference to Khamenei. Other footage captured loud bangs near a mosque, though the source remains unconfirmed.
In Isfahan, a fire broke out at the office of the Young Journalists Club, a subsidiary of state broadcaster Irib. The cause and potential casualties are unclear. In Tehran, images obtained by the BBC showed overturned and burning vehicles at the Kaaj roundabout.
Exiled royal urges US intervention
Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran's last shah, called on Trump to "be prepared to intervene to help the people of Iran." Pahlavi, who resides near Washington DC, had previously urged protesters to take to the streets on Thursday and Friday.
Humanitarian concerns grow amid communication blackout
Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi warned of a potential "massacre" during the internet shutdown. IHRNGO director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam cautioned that the government's use of force was intensifying, raising fears of further violence.
A resident of Shiraz, who managed to send a message to the BBC, reported panic-buying at supermarkets as residents stockpiled essentials, anticipating further unrest. Mahsa Alimardani of the human rights NGO Witness described the blackout as "anxiety-inducing," noting she had lost contact with her family in Iran since Thursday evening.
Background: From economic protests to calls for regime change
The demonstrations initially erupted over economic hardships, including the collapse of Iran's currency, but quickly expanded to include broader demands for political reform. The last major protests in 2022, sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in morality police custody, resulted in over 550 deaths and 20,000 arrests, according to human rights groups.
