Iran is confronting its most severe civil unrest in years as nationwide protests over economic conditions have resulted in significant casualties and arrests. According to documentation by a U.S.-based human rights organization, at least 65 individuals have lost their lives and over 2,300 have been detained during two weeks of demonstrations that have expanded across all 31 Iranian provinces.
The protests, initially sparked by soaring prices and deepening economic hardship, have evolved into a broad challenge to authorities. Eyewitness accounts from Tehran describe scenes of extreme violence, with security forces employing live ammunition and tear gas against demonstrators during what participants characterized as a ‘nightmare’ confrontation on Friday night.
In response to the escalating situation, Iranian authorities have implemented a comprehensive nationwide internet blackout exceeding 48 hours—a measure that appears to have failed to deter protesters from continuing their demonstrations. The communications shutdown represents one of the most extensive digital censorship efforts implemented by the regime in recent history.
International observers note that the scale and geographical spread of the unrest, reaching at least 100 urban centers, presents the most serious challenge to Iran’s leadership in over a decade. The persistence of demonstrations despite severe countermeasures suggests deepening public frustration with economic conditions and governance structures.