Iran faces fresh wave of protests amidst internet blackout

Protests continued across Iran into the early hours of Friday as demonstrators poured into the streets after a call for action by exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi.

Short video clips circulated by activists before the internet blackout appeared to show crowds chanting slogans against the government. In several areas, including parts of Tehran, protesters were seen gathering around bonfires as debris lay scattered on the roads.

Iranian state media later addressed the unrest, claiming that “terrorist agents” linked to the United States and Israel were responsible for setting fires and inciting violence.

Officials also reported “casualties” but did not provide further details.

Because of the communications shutdown, it remains difficult to assess the scale of the demonstrations. Even so, the unrest marks a further escalation of protests that first erupted over economic hardship and have since grown into one of the most serious challenges to Iran’s leadership in recent years.

The demonstrations are also seen as a key moment for Reza Pahlavi, testing whether his calls can mobilise people inside the country. His late father, the former shah, left Iran shortly before the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

During the current protests, some crowds have voiced support for the monarchy — a striking development in a country where such slogans once carried the risk of severe punishment.

The chants reflect the depth of frustration driving the movement, which began over worsening economic conditions.

At least 42 people have been killed and more than 2,270 detained in connection with the unrest, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.

Pahlavi, who urged Iranians to demonstrate on Thursday night, has repeated his call for people to take to the streets again at 8pm on Friday.