Protests continued in Iran on Friday night, as depicted in online videos, despite the government’s threat to suppress demonstrators by shutting down the internet and disconnecting phone lines. The ongoing protests, triggered by economic grievances in late December, have evolved into a significant challenge to the Iranian government.
State media labeled the protesters as “terrorists,” raising concerns of a potential violent crackdown akin to past nationwide protests, despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s assurance of support for peaceful demonstrators. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei criticized protesters for seeking assistance from the U.S., stating they should focus on their own country’s affairs.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and French President Emmanuel Macron issued a joint statement condemning the reported violence against protesters and called on Iran to allow freedom of expression without fear of reprisal. Similarly, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney strongly denounced the actions of the Iranian regime against its people.
Shirin Ebadi, an Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate, urged Western governments to condemn Iran’s government, highlighting the regime’s use of violence against peaceful protesters. President Trump reiterated his pledge to intervene if protesters are harmed, emphasizing a strong stance against Iran’s leadership.
The demonstrations, despite internet restrictions, continued on Friday night with protesters chanting against the government in various Iranian cities. Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, son of the former Shah of Iran, played a role in inciting the protests, which have led to casualties and detentions. The protests signal a growing discontent with the current regime and a desire for change in Iran.
The situation remains tense as security forces are on high alert, and further developments are awaited amid escalating tensions in Iran.