Anti-government protests in Iran have spread nationwide, expanding beyond the capital and reaching major cities across the country, international media have reported.
The demonstrations, which began last Sunday, have intensified in Tehran and are now being seen in key urban centers throughout Iran. Protesters initially took to the streets in response to the government’s economic policies, which have led to a sharp devaluation of the Iranian currency and a sustained rise in the prices of basic goods. The movement was first sparked by traders and business owners affected by the worsening economic conditions.
In Tehran, protests that began last week turned violent after government intervention, with clashes reported between security forces and demonstrators in several areas. According to Reuters, the protests escalated further following the crackdown and spread to major cities in all 31 provinces.
Growing Public Anger, Casualties, and Rights Concerns
This is being described as the largest wave of protests against the country’s clerical leadership in recent years. Millions of people have reportedly taken to the streets nationwide, demanding the removal of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Demonstrators have also voiced support for Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s former shah, chanting slogans such as “Long live the Shah” and “This is the final battle.” Reza Pahlavi is currently living in exile. By the 12th day, the protests had spread to more than 100 cities and towns across the country.
The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) said at least 34 protesters have been killed so far, including five children and eight members of the security forces. The agency reported that more than 2,270 people have been arrested. Norway-based Iran Human Rights, meanwhile, said at least 45 protesters have been killed, including eight children.
Video footage obtained from the western city of Dezful appears to show security forces firing live ammunition toward crowds. The situation remains particularly tense in the provinces of Ilam, Kermanshah, and Lorestan, which have large Kurdish and Lur minority populations. Kurdish human rights group Hengaw said at least 17 protesters have been killed in those areas.
Meanwhile, nationwide internet services have been disrupted since Thursday night, according to internet monitoring organization NetBlocks. The group warned that increasing digital censorship is having a serious impact on citizens’ right to communicate.
International Reaction and Reports of Contingency Plans
Reza Pahlavi also issued a statement on social media platform X, saying, “Millions of Iranians demanded freedom tonight.” He praised the protesters for their courage and urged them to continue their demonstrations.
Iranian state media have sought to downplay the scale of the protests, Reuters reported, in some cases releasing videos of empty streets and claiming no demonstrations had taken place.
Following the escalation of protests, U.S. President Donald Trump warned that the United States would intervene to protect protesters if they were subjected to severe repression.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has instructed security forces to exercise restraint during peaceful protests, while Supreme Leader Khamenei has said dialogue with protesters is necessary but stressed that “anarchic elements” must be brought under control.
Reuters reported that inflation in Iran has reached around 40 percent. Analysts say the current unrest is the most widespread since the protests that followed the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022 and could mark a critical turning point for Iran’s political future.
Some international media outlets have reported that if the protests continue to expand, Supreme Leader Khamenei may be preparing to flee the country. The British online newspaper The Times cited intelligence reports claiming that a “Plan B” has been prepared in case the situation deteriorates further.
According to the report, the 86-year-old Khamenei could leave Tehran and relocate to a secure location along with around 20 close aides and family members, including his son Mojtaba Khamenei, who is widely seen as a potential successor.
Speaking to The Times, an intelligence source said, “If Khamenei sees the military and security forces retreating, rebelling, or failing to follow orders, Plan B will be activated immediately.”
Former Israeli intelligence official Benny Sabti has claimed that Khamenei could flee to Moscow, saying the Iranian leader has few alternatives beyond Russia. Sabti said Khamenei is personally inclined toward Russian President Vladimir Putin and believes there are cultural similarities between Iran and Russia.
The alleged contingency plan has been linked to the example of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, who fled to Moscow with his family by aircraft before opposition rebels captured Damascus in December 2024. Khamenei’s emergency plan is said to be modeled on the same approach.
