Iran Protests Persist Under Blackout as Authorities Escalate Repression

Overview

• Nighttime demonstrations continued in Tehran, Mashhad, Qom, Tabriz, Rasht, Shiraz and other cities despite a near-total internet shutdown verified by NetBlocks.
• Rights groups and activist networks reported sharply rising tolls—from at least 51 to about 192 people killed—and more than 2,000 arrests, figures difficult to verify under the blackout.
• Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the IRGC condemned protesters as foreign-backed vandals, and the prosecutor-general warned participants could be labeled “enemies of God,” a charge that carries the death penalty.
• President Donald Trump said the United States is “ready to help,” with officials preparing options that include additional sanctions, cyber actions and possible targeted strikes, though no decision has been announced.
• Exiled opposition figure Reza Pahlavi urged supporters to “take and hold” city centers and vowed a return, while state media showcased funerals for security personnel and counter-rallies backing the authorities.