Tehran: Iran has imposed a nationwide internet and communication blackout as protests continue to spread across the country, with demonstrations now reported in most provinces, including the capital Tehran.
The unrest began over rising prices, inflation and the sharp fall of the Iranian currency. Over the past days, the protests have grown in scale and tone, with crowds openly criticising the government and the clerical leadership.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addressed the nation, rejecting the protests and accusing foreign powers of trying to destabilise the country. He claimed that the demonstrations were being encouraged by enemies of Iran, including the United States, and said protesters were acting to please Donald Trump.
Soon after the speech, authorities cut internet access, mobile networks and international calls across large parts of Iran. The shutdown has made it difficult to confirm events on the ground, but rights groups say it is meant to limit coordination among protesters and reduce the flow of images and videos to the outside world.
Human rights organisations report that dozens of people have been killed during clashes between protesters and security forces, with thousands arrested so far. The government has not released official casualty figures.
Videos that emerged before the blackout showed crowds gathering in major cities, including Tehran, Isfahan and Shiraz. Some footage appeared to show government buildings and police vehicles set on fire, while security forces used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse crowds.
Iranian state media has described the protesters as rioters and said security forces are acting to restore order. Officials have also blamed exiled opposition groups for encouraging unrest.
Despite the heavy crackdown, analysts say the protests reflect deep frustration among ordinary Iranians over economic hardship, unemployment and long standing political restrictions. Many observers note that while the demonstrations have not yet reached the scale of previous nationwide uprisings, their spread to multiple provinces poses a serious challenge for the authorities.
The situation remains tense, with no clear sign of dialogue between the government and protesters as Iran enters another day of uncertainty.