Iran authorities cut internet as buildings set on fire during mass protests in Tehran
Internet blackout in Iran as mass protests escalate
- Massive protests, including buildings set ablaze and an internet blackout, swept across Iran on Thursday evening, marking a significant escalation of unrest.
- The demonstrations, now in their 12th consecutive day, challenge Iran's clerical leadership, driven by widespread anger over the ailing economy and appeals from exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi.
- Protesters in cities like Tehran, Mashhad, and Isfahan chanted slogans such as 'Death to the dictator' and 'Death to the Islamic Republic,' with many businesses observing a general strike.
- Human rights groups report at least 41 fatalities and over 2,270 detentions as the unrest has spread to more than 100 cities and towns across all 31 Iranian provinces.
- The internet outage was attributed to Iranian government interference, while international figures, including US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, voiced concerns over the situation.