Iran witnessed what observers are calling the largest anti-government demonstrations in years on Thursday night, as millions of protesters took to the streets across Tehran and dozens of other cities in response to a call by Prince Reza Pahlavi, the former Crown Prince of Iran.
Unprecedented Scale of Protests
Videos circulating on social media show massive crowds marching through the Iranian capital and numerous other cities, including Mashhad (Iran's second-largest city), Kish, Kerman, Shiraz, Dez ful, Sirjan, Babol, Talesh, Khorramabad, and many others. Protesters were heard chanting slogans including "Long Live the Shah," "Khamenei is a murderer, his rule is void," and "This is the final battle, Pahlavi will return."
The demonstrations mark the 12th consecutive night of protests that began on December 28, 2024 (7 Dey 1404 in the Persian calendar), initially sparked by shopkeepers in Tehran's Grand Bazaar protesting the soaring dollar exchange rate and the collapse of the Iranian rial.
Khamenei's Defiant Response
According to the BBC Persian, Iran International and other international sources, in his second public reaction since the protests began, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a stern warning on Friday morning, declaring that the Islamic Republic "will not back down against saboteurs."
"Last night in Tehran, a bunch of saboteurs came and destroyed buildings belonging to their own country just to please the American president," Khamenei said. "Everyone should know that the Islamic Republic was established with the blood of hundreds of thousands of honorable people. The Islamic Republic will not retreat against saboteurs."
Khamenei also directed sharp criticism at U.S. President Donald Trump, stating: "Trump should know that the arrogant powers of the world, like Pharaoh, Nimrod, Reza Khan, and Mohammad Reza [Pahlavi], were overthrown at the peak of their pride—he too will be overthrown."
The Supreme Leader accused Trump of having "the blood of over a thousand Iranians on his hands," referring to casualties from recent conflicts. Notably, Iranian protesters over the years have frequently labeled Khamenei himself as "Pharaoh," "Nimrod," and "the Zahhak of our time"—referring to a tyrannical figure in Persian mythology.
Internet Blackout Amid Protests
Reports indicate severe internet disruptions and near-total blackouts across Iran during and after the protests. Despite these restrictions, videos and images continued to emerge showing large crowds in various neighborhoods of Tehran, including Valiasr Street and Tajrish, as well as in cities across the country.
According to the New York Times, citing a senior Iranian government official, "Many officials are privately contacting each other, exchanging messages, and are confused in the face of the flood of protests." The source suggested the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) would likely take control of the situation.
International Response
The protests have drawn significant international attention and condemnation of the Iranian government's crackdown:
United States: President Donald Trump reiterated his warning that the U.S. would deliver "a very hard blow" to Iran if protesters are killed. In an interview, Trump said his administration is "watching very closely" and acknowledged some deaths, though he attributed some to crowd control issues and stampedes.
The U.S. State Department issued a travel advisory urging American citizens to "under no circumstances" travel to Iran, citing risks of terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, and unjust detention.
European Union: European Parliament President Roberta Metsola declared that "the world is once again witnessing the resilience of the brave people of Iran." She added: "The cries of the Iranian people for dignity, freedom, and the right to choose how they live and are governed are being heard around the world."
Germany: Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul condemned the "excessive use of violence against peaceful protesters" and called on Iranian authorities to uphold their international obligations.
Sweden: Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated: "The people of Iran have once again risen against oppression and repression. We hear their voices and support their courageous struggle for freedom."
Belgium: Prime Minister Bart De Wever posted a message in Persian on social media: "Brave Iranians continue to stand for freedom after years of repression and economic hardship. They deserve our full support. Silencing them with violence is unacceptable."
Austria: Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger strongly condemned "the violent response of Iranian security forces to peaceful demonstrations," calling on Iran to fulfill its human rights obligations as a UN member state.
Human Rights Concerns
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch issued a joint statement accusing Iranian authorities of launching "a deadly crackdown against protesters across the country" since December 28, characterized by "unlawful use of force and firearms by security forces, and widespread arbitrary arrests."
The organizations reported that "security forces, including the IRGC and Iranian police, have unlawfully used rifles, shotguns with pellets, water cannons, tear gas, and beatings to disperse, intimidate, and punish mostly peaceful protesters."
Human rights groups report that dozens have been killed and hundreds arrested since the protests began 13 days ago.
Flight Disruptions
The unrest has caused significant disruptions to international air travel. Turkish Airlines cancelled five Friday flights to Tehran, according to Istanbul Airport's application. Five additional flights operated by Iranian carriers were also cancelled.
Passengers reported that aircraft were denied landing permission, with flights to Tabriz and Isfahan also returning due to similar issues. At least six flights from Dubai to various Iranian cities were also cancelled on Friday.
Kurdish Regions Join Strike
Over 50 cities in Iran's Kurdish regions across four provinces—Kurdistan, West Azerbaijan, Kermanshah, and Ilam—joined a general strike on Thursday, closing bazaars and shops in solidarity with the nationwide protests. The strike followed a call by seven Iranian Kurdistan parties and six women's and political prisoner organizations. Security forces have arrested dozens of political and civil activists in these regions in recent days.
Prince Reza Pahlavi's Message
Following Thursday night's massive turnout, Prince Reza Pahlavi expressed gratitude for the widespread participation and urged continued momentum. "You saw that the massive crowds caused the repressive forces to retreat," he said. "Those who had doubts, join your fellow countrymen and increase the crowds so that the regime's capacity for repression becomes even weaker."
Addressing the internet blackout, he added: "I know that despite the cutting of internet and communications, you will not abandon the streets. Rest assured that victory belongs to you."
In a show of cultural solidarity, renowned Iranian pop musician Hassan Shamaizadeh released a video of himself playing the former Imperial National Anthem on saxophone, with a message praising "the revolution of the Shah and the people" and honoring "the brave people of Iran and freedom-seekers who watered freedom with their lives."
Regime Media Threatens Protesters
The Tasnim News Agency, known for its close ties to Iranian security services, issued a threatening message on social media, announcing "identification, warning, and arrest of those chanting slogans in their homes by the FARAJA Intelligence Organization." The agency quoted security forces saying: "Everything is under surveillance."
The protests continue into their 13th day as the international community watches closely and Iranians both inside the country and abroad await further developments.
Photo: Iran International