Protests have continued across Iran for a second week, as authorities are accused of restricting internet access in an apparent effort to contain the unrest.
Demonstrations first erupted two weeks ago in response to rising inflation and deteriorating living standards before evolving into broader political protests.
Internet monitoring organisations reported that connectivity across large parts of Iran was severely disrupted for more than 24 hours
Iran has blamed “foreign agitators” for escalating a domestic economic issue into a wider security crisis.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), an elite force separate from the regular army, said in a statement that “terrorists” had attacked military and law enforcement facilities over the past two nights. It claimed both civilians and security personnel were killed, and that public property was set on fire.
Protesters set fires in the streets and in buildings during demonstrations in Tehran and Isfahan over the last few days.
An Iranian human rights organisation said it had documented at least 65 deaths as of Friday, including 50 protesters and 15 members of the security forces.
Khamenei blames foreign interference
On Friday, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei accused protesters of serving foreign interests, alleging they were acting on behalf of US President Donald Trump.
Referring to damage to public property, Khamenei described demonstrators as “a bunch of vandals” seeking to please Washington. He said they were encouraged by what he called “baseless” statements from US officials promising support if Iran changed course.
Addressing Trump directly, Khamenei dismissed the US president’s claims of solidarity with Iranians. “If he can, he should run his own country,” the Leader said.
Trump suggested Washington could intervene if Iranian security forces violently suppress demonstrators. “You better not start shooting, because we’ll start shooting too,” he said.
Critics noted the apparent contradiction in Washington threatening action over the potential violent suppression of protesters in Iran, while US security forces have themselves been accused of using lethal force against demonstrators at home.
