Iran Protests Escalate: ‘Khamenei Must Go,’ Internet Cut, Airspace Closed Following Trump Warning

Tehran: Protests that have gripped Iran for the past two weeks turned violent on Thursday night, with thousands taking to the streets in Tehran and other cities following an appeal by exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi. The demonstrations, reportedly the largest in recent weeks, prompted the Iranian regime to deploy security forces nationwide, cut internet connectivity, and suspend telephone services.

Escalation and Government Crackdown

Protesters chanted slogans calling for the removal of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei from power. Multiple videos emerging from the capital show fires and clashes on city streets. Iranian authorities reportedly began taking strict measures to suppress demonstrators late Thursday night, including a nationwide internet blackout. According to monitoring group NetBlocks, connectivity across multiple service providers has been severely disrupted, effectively cutting off large parts of the country from the internet.

Several areas also saw the issuance of NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen), signaling heightened risks to aircraft, and reports indicate that Iranian defense systems have been activated in certain regions.

Trump’s Warning to Tehran

Amid the unrest, US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to the Iranian regime, stating that any use of lethal force against demonstrators could trigger “very strong” US action. Speaking to conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, Trump said, “I’ve made it clear: if they start killing people like they do during riots, we will hit them very hard.”

Human rights organizations have raised alarms over the use of deadly force. The Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights reported that at least 45 protesters, including eight minors, have been killed in clashes since the demonstrations began, with Wednesday being the deadliest day when 13 people were shot.

The protests underscore deepening domestic unrest in Iran and the heightened risk of international attention following US warnings and widespread communication blackouts.