Nationwide protest erupts in Iran against Islamic regime

​Neighbourhoods across the Iranian capital Tehran and dozens of cities nationwide erupted in defiant chanting Thursday night as a fresh wave of anti-government demonstrations intensified. The protests, fuelled by a collapsing economy and calls for the end of theocratic rule, have prompted the Iranian government to sever nearly all internet and telephone links to the outside world.

On the Night of Defiance in Tehran, as the clock struck 8 in the evening, chanting of ‘Death to the dictator!’ and ‘Death to the Islamic Republic!’ echoed from rooftops and street corners.

The demonstrations appeared to be a direct response to a call for action by exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi. For the first time in decades, many protestors openly praised the former monarchy, shouting, “Pahlavi will return!” and “This is the last battle!”

While the movement remains largely leaderless on the ground, the resurgence of pro-Shah sentiment underscores a deepening desperation among Iranians facing an inflation rate that has soared to 52%.

The current unrest began last month in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, sparked by the free-fall of the Iranian rial. Following a 12-day military conflict with Israel in June, the currency has devalued to a record low of 1.4 million rials to $1 USD.

President Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration has responded by implementing a near-total digital blockade. Global monitoring groups, including NetBlocks and CloudFlare, confirmed a massive internet outage attributed to government interference.

“Iranians demanded their freedom tonight. In response, the regime has cut all lines of communication,” Pahlavi stated from exile, urging Western powers to provide technical aid to restore connectivity.

While President Pezeshkian has acknowledged the “legitimate demands” of the people regarding their livelihoods, the country’s judiciary and security forces have warned of a “harsh response” to further dissent. Hard-line outlets have suggested that drones are being deployed to identify and target protesters.

International reactions

The Trump administration on Wednesday warned Iran against defying US demands, saying the President had already shown a willingness to use military force after diplomacy failed.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt explained President Donald Trump initially sought negotiations with Tehran over its nuclear program, but decisive action followed when talks failed.

“He tried  to have a serious interest in a deal with the Iranian regime with respect to their nuclear capabilities,” Leavitt said. “They were not interested.”She said that refusal led directly to US military action.

“And so Operation Midnight Hammer happened, which was another remarkable military success under the leadership of this commander in chief,” she said.

Leavitt described the episode as an example of Trump’s approach to foreign policy, where diplomacy is attempted first, but force remains an option.“The President keeps his options open,” she said. “But diplomacy is always the first.”