Iran's leadership has issued a defiant vow not to back down, as a wave of nationwide protests over dire economic conditions gathers significant momentum. The unrest has seen thousands of citizens take to the streets of the capital, demanding political reform and clashing with authorities.
Protests Escalate in Tehran and Beyond
Demonstrations have intensified across the country, with a major focus in Tehran. Thousands of protestors marched through the city's streets, their calls for political change accompanied by acts of defiance, including the torching of government buildings. The protests, initially sparked by economic grievances, have rapidly evolved into a broader challenge against the political establishment.
Supreme Leader Signals Harsher Crackdown
In response to the escalating unrest, the country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has signalled that a greater security crackdown is imminent. This warning comes as the Iranian government has plunged the nation into a widespread internet blackout, a common tactic used to stifle dissent, organise protests, and control the flow of information to the outside world.
Information Blackout and International Scrutiny
The imposition of the internet blackout has severely limited the ability of citizens to communicate and share evidence of the regime's response with global observers. This move underscores the authorities' determination to quell the uprising by any means necessary. The situation remains fluid and highly volatile, with international attention firmly fixed on Iran's next steps as the standoff between the people and the leadership continues.
