Overview
- Technical monitors NetBlocks and Cloudflare confirmed a nationwide internet blackout on Thursday night as demonstrations persisted across dozens of provinces.
- Iran Human Rights reported at least 45 protesters killed, including minors, while HRANA cited 36 deaths and more than 2,000 arrests; officials acknowledged multiple security-force fatalities.
- The unrest began on December 28 over a collapsing rial and soaring prices and has expanded into anti-government chants and university-led actions across more than 100 locations.
- President Masoud Pezeshkian urged security forces to show restraint and distinguish protesters from what officials call rioters, as the government rolled out modest subsidy payments and other economic steps.
- Army chief Amir Hatami issued warnings against external threats after U.S. President Donald Trump cautioned Tehran against killing peaceful protesters, and exiled prince Reza Pahlavi called for coordinated public actions.