Iranian authorities on Saturday signalled a possible intensification of their crackdown on the largest anti-government protests in years, as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) blamed the unrest on “terrorists” and vowed to protect the ruling system. The death toll from the protests has risen to 65, according to the Iran Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA).
The protests, which erupted on December 28 in response to soaring inflation, have since taken on a political character, with demonstrators calling for an end to clerical rule. They mark the most serious unrest in Iran since the 2022–23 protest movement triggered by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, who had been detained for allegedly violating Iran’s dress code for women, report Reuters, BBC, Al Jazeera.
Fresh reports of violence emerged across the country a day after US President Donald Trump warned that Washington could intervene. However, assessing the full scale of the unrest has been difficult due to a near-total internet blackout imposed since Thursday evening. Most international media outlets are barred from reporting inside Iran, further complicating efforts to verify information.
Iranian state media reported that a municipal building in Karaj, west of Tehran, was set on fire, blaming “rioters” for the incident. State television also aired footage of funerals for security force members it said were killed during clashes in Shiraz, Qom and Hamedan. Meanwhile, videos shared on social media showed large nighttime gatherings in Tehran, with fires burning in the streets.
In one video from Tehran’s Saadatabad district, a man was heard declaring that protesters had taken control of the area as chants of “Death to the dictator” and “Death to Khamenei” echoed through the crowd, referring to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Witnesses reported a heavy presence of the Revolutionary Guards in several areas. One witness in western Iran, speaking by phone on condition of anonymity, said IRGC forces were opening fire. The semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that at least 100 “armed rioters” were arrested in the town of Baharestan near Tehran.
Iranian authorities have accused the United States and Israel of fomenting the unrest, an allegation both countries deny.
Reza Pahlavi, the US-based son of Iran’s last shah, has emerged as a prominent voice among the fragmented opposition. In a video posted on X, the 65-year-old called for the protests to escalate into a nationwide revolt aimed at toppling the Islamic Republic.
“Our goal is no longer merely to come into the streets; the goal is to prepare to seize city centres and hold them,” he said, adding that he was preparing to return to Iran. He claimed the clerical establishment would be brought “to its knees.”
Trump said on Thursday that he was not inclined to meet Pahlavi, indicating that Washington may be waiting to see how the crisis unfolds before openly backing an opposition figure.
A doctor in northwestern Iran said hospitals had received large numbers of injured protesters since Friday. Many were badly beaten, suffering head injuries, broken limbs and deep cuts. At least 20 people in one hospital had been shot with live ammunition, five of whom later died, the doctor said.
As tensions continue to rise, Iran appears headed for a prolonged confrontation between protesters and security forces, with no clear sign yet of de-escalation.
