TEHRAN – What began as scattered demonstrations over soaring inflation and economic hardship in late December 2025 has exploded into a nationwide uprising against Iran’s Islamic Republic, engulfing all 31 provinces and drawing millions into the streets. Protesters, fueled by years of grievances including corruption, unemployment, and repressive policies, have clashed violently with security forces in major cities such as Tehran, Mashhad, and Shiraz, where crowds have torched government buildings, banks, and symbols of the regime.
The escalation reached a pivotal moment on Thursday night when Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, issued an impassioned call to action from abroad. In a video message circulated on social media before the regime’s crackdown, Pahlavi praised the demonstrators for forcing security forces to retreat in several areas. “The brave people of Iran are reclaiming their destiny,” he declared, invoking nostalgic chants from his father’s era such as “Shah, Shah, we want the Shah!” that have echoed through the protests. Pahlavi, who has long positioned himself as an advocate for a secular, democratic Iran, urged citizens to unite in a “nationwide strike and civil disobedience” to topple the current government.
The regime’s response has been swift and severe. Authorities imposed a near-total internet blackout across the country starting early Friday, severely limiting communication and the flow of information. Human rights groups and opposition sources report at least 36 to 45 deaths since the protests intensified, with more than 2,000 arrests documented. Security forces, including the Revolutionary Guard, have deployed tear gas, live ammunition, and batons to disperse crowds, leading to chaotic scenes of burning barricades and running battles in urban centers.
Iranian state media and officials have blamed the unrest on foreign interference, specifically pointing fingers at “U.S. and Israeli agents” for orchestrating the chaos. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addressed the nation in a rare televised speech, calling the protesters “enemies of the revolution” and vowing to crush the “sedition.” Despite the blackout, smuggled videos show protesters chanting anti-regime slogans, including “Death to the dictator,” and defacing portraits of Khamenei.
Internationally, the crisis has drawn sharp reactions. U.S. President Donald Trump, in a statement from the White House, warned Tehran of “severe consequences” should the crackdown result in a “massacre” of civilians. “The world is watching,” Trump said, echoing his administration’s long-standing criticism of Iran’s government. European leaders have called for restraint and urged dialogue, while neighboring countries such as Saudi Arabia and Turkey are monitoring the situation closely amid fears of regional spillover.
As the protests enter their third week, analysts warn of potential further escalation. “This is the most widespread challenge to the regime since the 2009 Green Movement,” said Dr. Elena Rostami, an Iran expert at the Middle East Institute in Washington. “Pahlavi’s involvement could galvanize opposition forces, but the regime’s history of brutal suppression suggests a bloody standoff ahead.”
With communications hampered, verifying casualty figures and the scale of the protests remains challenging. Opposition groups claim the death toll may be higher, with reports of hospitals overwhelmed by injured demonstrators. The economic triggers—rampant inflation exceeding 50% and shortages of basic goods—have united diverse groups, from students and workers to ethnic minorities, in a rare show of solidarity.
The Iranian government has not responded to requests for comment, but state-run outlets continue to broadcast footage of pro-regime rallies, insisting the protests are isolated and waning. As night falls on Tehran, the streets remain tense, with the sound of sirens piercing the air—a stark reminder of a nation on the brink.
