Nationwide protests challenging Iran’s government saw demonstrators fill the streets in the country’s capital and its second-largest city into Sunday morning, marking over two weeks of unrest that has resulted in the deaths of at least 116 individuals, according to activists.
Due to the internet shutdown in Iran and the disruption of phone communication, monitoring the protests from outside the country has become increasingly challenging. However, reports indicate a rising death toll and over 2,600 people have been detained. Concerns exist that the lack of information may embolden hard-liners in Iran’s security forces to escalate the crackdown on protesters, despite warnings from President Trump regarding potential military intervention to safeguard peaceful demonstrators.
Videos circulated online from Iran, likely transmitted via Starlink satellite technology, depicted protesters gathering in the Punak neighborhood of northern Tehran. Streets were blocked off by authorities as demonstrators illuminated the area with their mobile phones, while others made noise with metal objects and fireworks. Additional footage showed protesters peacefully marching and honking car horns in solidarity.
In Mashhad, Iran’s second-largest city located 725 kilometers northeast of Tehran, footage showed protesters confronting security forces amidst burning debris and blocked roads. Mashhad is home to the Imam Reza shrine, a significant site in Shiite Islam.
Protests were also reported in Kerman, 800 kilometers southeast of Tehran. Iranian state TV coverage on Sunday morning showcased calm areas in several cities with a visible date stamp, excluding Tehran and Mashhad.
Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi urged demonstrators to continue their protests on Sunday. Some protesters expressed support for the former Shah during the demonstrations, though it remains unclear if this signifies backing for Pahlavi or a desire to revert to pre-1979 revolution times.
The protests in Iran have been ongoing for the past two weeks, with demonstrators using their phones to create light displays in solidarity after electricity cuts.