Iran protests spread to 11 cities as Pahlavi thanks Trump

WISE NEWS PRESS / TEHRAN, IRAN

Protests initiated by Tehran’s Grand Bazaar merchants following a record-breaking collapse of the Iranian rial have entered their 13th day, expanding to 11 major cities across 31 provinces.

The escalating unrest has prompted authorities to implement widespread internet restrictions, while exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi issued a call for citizens to maintain momentum on the streets and expressed gratitude for U.S. President Donald Trump's vocal support. The demonstrations, fueled by a severe economic crisis, have led to increasing reports of clashes between security forces and protesters, resulting in numerous casualties and arrests.

Monarchist slogans and Pahlavi’s call

Footage emerging from Tehran, Mazandaran, and Golestan provinces shows demonstrators chanting slogans in favor of the Pahlavi dynasty, which ruled before the 1979 Revolution. In videos verified by BBC Verify, protesters in western Lorestan were seen carrying the former Iranian flag featuring the lion and sun symbols while chanting "Long Live the King."

Reza Pahlavi, speaking from exile via social media, stated that millions of Iranians demanded freedom while the regime responded by cutting off all communications. He thanked President Trump for promising to hold the regime accountable and urged European leaders to provide more decisive support for the Iranian people's aspirations.

Internet blackouts and rising casualties

Netblocks confirmed a total internet shutdown in Tehran and several other regions as the government attempted to stifle the organization of further rallies. According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), at least 36 people have been killed and over 2,000 individuals have been detained since the protests began on December 28.

State-linked Tasnim News Agency released a video warning that those chanting slogans from their homes would be identified and arrested. Meanwhile, in the southwestern city of Lordegan, semi-official Fars news agency reported that two police officers were killed in an armed attack by unidentified individuals.

Economic collapse and hyperinflation

The unrest is deeply rooted in Iran’s crumbling economy, which has left many households unable to afford basic goods. The Iranian rial has lost more than half of its value against the dollar over the past year, and official statistics placed the inflation rate above 42% in December.

In an attempt to quell the anger, the Iranian government announced a monthly subsidy of approximately seven dollars per household to protect purchasing power. However, analysts remain skeptical about the plan's impact, as long-term sanctions and regional tensions with Israel and the U.S. continue to drive the national currency to historic lows.

International pressure and hospital raids

The Iranian government faces mounting international scrutiny following President Trump’s warning that the U.S. would respond "very harshly" if the regime resorted to mass killings of protesters. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed these comments as "meddlesome," asserting that Iran’s internal affairs are not the concern of any foreign nation.

Adding to the tensions, reports of security forces raiding the Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ilam and using tear gas inside the facility have drawn international condemnation. Amnesty International described the raid as a "violation of international law," while Iranian health officials denied allegations that wounded protesters were being forcibly removed from medical centers for detention.

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Source : BBC