Iranian state television has directly accused agents from the United States and Israel of acting as "terrorist agents" to instigate violence and arson during widespread protests across the country. The brief but significant report, buried in a morning news bulletin, marks the first official acknowledgement of the unrest that has now reached all 31 of Iran's provinces.
Economic Spark Ignites Nationwide Unrest
The demonstrations initially erupted in the capital, Tehran, last month. The primary catalyst was a severe and sudden devaluation of the Iranian rial currency, which has severely impacted living costs for ordinary citizens. What began as economic discontent has rapidly transformed and spread far beyond the capital's borders.
The state media report detailed the scope of the violence, alleging that "people's private cars, motorcycles, public places such as the metro, fire trucks and buses" had been set ablaze. It also confirmed there have been casualties, though without providing official figures.
Mounting Casualties and Communication Blackout
Independent reports paint a grimmer picture of the human cost. Figures from the US-based Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA) suggest a significant toll, reporting that 34 protesters and four security personnel have been killed since the protests began. The agency also estimates that approximately 2,200 individuals have been arrested.
The most recent large-scale protests occurred on Thursday night. These were reportedly spurred by a call from Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last monarch, for a mass demonstration. In a stark move, Iranian authorities cut internet access and phone lines almost immediately as the gatherings began, severely limiting information flow and communication.
An Exiled Voice and a Warning to the Republic
In his statement, Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, whose father fled Iran during the 1979 Islamic Revolution, directly addressed both the Iranian people and the ruling establishment. "Great nation of Iran, the eyes of the world are upon you," he declared, urging citizens to "take to the streets" and shout their demands as a united front.
He issued a direct warning to the Islamic Republic's leadership, stating, "I warn the Islamic Republic, its leader and the (Revolutionary Guard) that the world and (President Donald Trump) are closely watching you. Suppression of the people will not go unanswered." This external encouragement has added a potent political dimension to the economically fuelled protests.
The situation remains highly volatile and fluid. The Iranian government's narrative of foreign-backed terrorism contrasts sharply with the protesters' core grievances over economic hardship and living standards, setting the stage for further confrontation.
