WASHINGTON: Iran is grappling with mass protests that have brought Tehran to a near standstill, as economic pressures, political unrest, and a heavy security presence create a tense and uncertain environment.
An AFP journalist reported that the city is largely shut down, with many shops closed and those that remain open forced to close around 4:00 or 5:00pm due to heavy security deployments. The price of meat has nearly doubled since the protests began, adding to the public’s economic strain.
Social media coverage of the demonstrations has been limited, though it remains unclear whether this is due to the ongoing internet blackout, now in its fourth day. One widely shared video showed protesters gathering in the Pounak district of Tehran, chanting slogans in support of the ousted monarchy.
The protests have emerged as one of the most significant challenges to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, following Israel’s 12-day conflict with Iran in June, which was backed by the United States. State television has aired footage of burning buildings, including a mosque, as well as funeral processions for members of the security forces.
Despite the unrest, state outlets sought to project calm on Sunday, broadcasting images of smooth-flowing traffic. Tehran Governor Mohammad-Sadegh Motamedian told state television that “the number of protests is decreasing.”
Meanwhile, the Iranian government declared three days of national mourning for “martyrs,” including security personnel killed during the unrest.
President Masoud Pezeshkian encouraged citizens to join a “national resistance march” on Monday to denounce violence. In response to repeated threats of U.S. intervention, Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that American military and shipping assets would be considered “legitimate targets,” according to state TV broadcasts.
Amid the turmoil, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to speak with billionaire Elon Musk about restoring internet services in Iran.
Authorities have cut off online access since Thursday, hampering the flow of information. Trump praised Musk’s expertise and his company, SpaceX, which operates the Starlink satellite internet service, already used in Iran. SpaceX did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
In a parallel development, Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s ousted shah, urged Iranian government workers and security personnel to side with the people in the protests.
“Employees of state institutions, as well as members of the armed and security forces, have a choice: stand with the people and become allies of the nation, or choose complicity with the murderers of the people,” he said on social media.
