Iran Protest Day 12 Live Updates: Unrest continues in Tehran, major cities; Internet access blocked | World News
Large protests target Iran’s leadership: Huge crowds have taken to the streets of Iran’s capital Tehran and other major cities in what appears to be the most significant public challenge to the country’s clerical establishment in years. Videos verified the BBC show thousands marching peacefully through Tehran and Mashhad, chanting slogans that directly target the foundations of the Islamic Republic, including calls for the overthrow of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the return of monarchy under Reza Pahlavi.Protests enter twelfth day: The demonstrations mark the twelfth consecutive day of unrest triggered economic anger, particularly the collapse of Iran’s currency, and have spread to more than 100 cities and towns across all 31 provinces, according to rights groups. Protesters have been heard chanting “Death to the dictator” and “Don’t be afraid, we are all together,” while some footage shows crowds dismantling surveillance cameras—an unmakable sign of defiance against state control. Although many protests remained peaceful, videos from western Iran suggest live fire in at least one city.Story continues below this ad
Internet Blackout Amid Protests : As the protests intensified, monitors reported a nationwide internet blackout, cutting off communication at a critical moment. Human rights organisations have documented dozens of deaths, including children, and thousands of arrests, while Iranian state media has sought to minimise or deny the scale of the unrest. With calls for fresh demonstrations continuing and digital censorship tightening, Iran appears to be entering a volatile phase where economic despair, political dissent, and state repression are colliding in the open.
Exiled opposition figure Reza Pahlavi urged supporters to continue demonstrations, alleging attempts to disrupt protests through internet shutdowns. President Masoud Pezeshkian called for restraint, though power rests with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The situation drew international attention after Donald Trump warned of action if killings continue.
