Overview
- Iran has enforced a sweeping shutdown of internet and phone lines for more than a day, severely curbing independent reporting, according to NetBlocks.
- Rights monitors say at least 65 people have been killed and more than 2,300 arrested since demonstrations began on Dec. 28, with protests recorded across 180 cities and hundreds of locations.
- Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accuses the United States of fueling the unrest, labels demonstrators as “rioters,” and signals a tougher crackdown as state outlets acknowledge casualties among security forces.
- Judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni‑Ejei vows punishment that is “decisive” and “maximum,” while verification of incidents remains constrained by the communications blackout.
- Exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi urges coordinated efforts to seize and hold city centers, and fresh rallies and anti-regime chants were reported in Tehran; reports of U.S. military options circulate but remain unconfirmed.