Iran Enters Total Blackout Amid Escalating Unrest; Khamenei Slams Protesters as 'Foreign Agents'

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has denounced the demonstrators, accusing them of working for U.S. President Donald Trump and acting as "foreign mercenaries." He warned that those attacking public property would face severe consequences.

What began late last month as a protest against soaring inflation has transformed into a massive movement across various provinces. Human rights organizations report dozens of casualties in clashes between security forces and protesters. State media has broadcasted images of burning buses, cars, and fire-damaged banks and metro stations. Authorities have blamed the Peoples Mojahedin Organization (MKO) for the chaos, while a journalist in the port city of Rasht described the local streets as a "war zone" with destroyed storefronts.

Iran is currently grappling with a severe economic crisis and mounting international pressure due to renewed nuclear sanctions since last September. Amidst this turmoil, the Iranian leadership appears divided; while President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for "maximum restraint," the Supreme Leader and the Chief Justice have ordered the decisive suppression of those they label "agents of the U.S. and Israel." Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep concern over the loss of life, urging the Iranian government to respect the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.