Anti-government protests in Iran have entered their second full week, evolving from economic grievances into a broad challenge to the Islamic Republic, with demonstrations spreading across all 31 provinces and chants directly targeting Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
What began on December 28, 2025, over hyperinflation, a collapsing rial, and soaring living costs has transformed into widespread calls for regime change. Protesters in major cities including Tehran, Mashhad, Tabriz, Isfahan, Karaj, and others have chanted slogans such as “Death to Khamenei”, “Death to the Dictator”, and expressed support for exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, often waving the pre-1979 Lion and Sun flag—a powerful symbol of monarchist aspirations.
In a defiant act abroad, an Iranian protester replaced the Islamic Republic flag with the Lion and Sun emblem at Iran’s embassy in London during solidarity rallies.
The regime has responded with escalating repression. Authorities imposed a near-total nationwide internet and communications blackout starting Thursday evening, severely limiting information flow and coordination. Supreme Leader Khamenei condemned demonstrators as “vandals,” “saboteurs,” and agents of the US and Israel, vowing the government would not back down. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared safeguarding security a “red line,” while the Attorney General warned participants could face charges as “enemies of God”—a capital offense.
Human rights groups report significant casualties: HRANA cites at least 62 deaths (including protesters and security personnel) and over 2,270 arrests, while Iran Human Rights reports at least 45 protesters killed since late December. Hospitals in major cities are reportedly overwhelmed with injured demonstrators from live ammunition and other force.
Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has urged continued action, calling for general strikes in key sectors and preparations to “seize and hold city centers” over the weekend. Solidarity protests have occurred in cities like London, Berlin, Brussels, and Melbourne.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned Iran against killing protesters, stating the US is “locked and loaded” and ready to help if needed, while accusing the regime of weakness. International voices, including Canada, the EU, and others, have condemned the crackdown and called for respect of peaceful protest rights.
The situation remains highly fluid and volatile, with the regime’s repressive measures clashing against deep-seated economic despair and broad societal participation. As the blackout persists, independent verification is challenging, but the protests show no signs of abating, marking one of the most serious challenges to the Islamic Republic in years.
