DUBAI: Iran faced significant isolation on Friday as officials shut down the internet in an effort to suppress widespread protests. Footage from various cities showed buildings engulfed in flames amid escalating anti-government demonstrations.
Human rights organizations have reported numerous fatalities among protesters over the past two weeks. State television broadcast scenes of violence and chaos, while a semi-official news agency indicated several police officers had died in clashes overnight.
In a recent address, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei pledged to remain steadfast against the protesters, claiming they were influenced by external opposition groups and the U.S. A public prosecutor warned of possible death sentences for those involved in the unrest.
The Iranian Ministry of Information and Communications Technology stated that the internet shutdown was a decision made by security authorities, citing the current volatile situation in the country.
Protests Intensify
These protests represent the most significant challenge to Iran’s clerical leadership in recent years, with the government appearing more vulnerable than during previous uprisings, especially given the struggling economy and geopolitical tensions from last year’s conflicts.
Initially sparked by economic grievances, including a dramatic drop in the value of the rial and rising inflation, the protests have shifted focus to broader discontent with the ruling regime. A human rights group reported at least 62 deaths, including 14 members of security forces and 48 protesters, since demonstrations began.
The internet blackout has severely limited communication out of Iran, with phone calls being interrupted and numerous flights between Dubai and Iran canceled.
Images shown on state television revealed burning vehicles, as well as fires at metro stations and banks. Verified videos from Tehran depicted large crowds, with chants calling for Khamenei’s downfall.
In Zahedan, a demonstration following Friday prayers was reportedly met with gunfire, injuring several individuals. A social media video from Shiraz captured protesters declaring, “This is the year of blood, Seyed Ali (Khamenei) will be overthrown,” although its authenticity could not be confirmed.
Authorities have employed a dual strategy: acknowledging the legitimacy of protests over economic issues while denouncing violence and deploying security forces to curb unrest.
President Masoud Pezeshkian recently urged a compassionate response to grievances, and the government introduced minor financial incentives in an attempt to alleviate growing poverty.
Nevertheless, as the situation escalates, Khamenei adopted more severe rhetoric, asserting the Islamic Republic will not yield to what he labeled as vandalism. He accused protesters of attempting to appease former U.S. President Donald Trump, while Tehran’s public prosecutor threatened death penalties for acts of sabotage.
Divided Opposition
External opposition groups have called for further demonstrations, with chants of “Death to the dictator!” echoing among the crowds. Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the last monarch, urged Iranians to take action, asserting that global attention is focused on their struggle.
However, there is ongoing debate about the level of support for the monarchy or for the MKO, a prominent opposition faction. According to a spokesperson for the MKO, the group has participated in the protests.
Experts highlight a profound sense of despair within Iranian society that hasn’t been felt in years, indicating rising anger and frustration among the populace.
Despite increasing international pressure, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi dismissed the likelihood of foreign military intervention, noting that the foreign minister of Oman, known for mediating between Iran and Western nations, would be visiting soon.
A U.N. spokesperson expressed deep concern over the violence and loss of life, reaffirming the right of all people to protest peacefully, while urging governments to uphold that right.
Iran has endured several major waves of unrest over the years, including significant protests in 1999, 2009, and 2019, along with more recent demonstrations in 2022 following the death of a woman in custody of the morality police. While those protests were quelled with notable losses and numerous arrests, there were hints of change, as some women began to defy strict public dress codes afterward.
