Iran's Digital Silence as Protests Escalate

Iran cracks down on escalating protests with Internet shutdowns, as exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi calls for demonstrations. The government faces severe challenges amid chants against its leadership and support for the shah. President Trump warns Iran against harming protestors, emphasizing global communication cutbacks.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei signaled a harsh crackdown on protestors, following overnight demonstrations that spilled into streets nationwide. Protestors defied state-imposed internet blackouts while targeting the officials with anti-government chants and calls for Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi's return.

The protests, beginning late December amid economic struggles, underscore significant unrest against the ruling regime. With the communication blackouts thwarting a full assessment of the demonstrations, Western observers watch closely as the situation intensifies.

Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, supported by some protestors, urged international support to restore communication channels, while President Trump issued a strong warning against violent crackdowns on demonstrators, adding pressure to the Iranian leadership already dealing with internal upheavals.

(With inputs from agencies.)