Iran Protests Enter Their Third Week

(MENAFN) Nationwide demonstrations in Iran have surged into their third consecutive week, engulfing cities across the country as citizens confront mounting economic devastation and the rial's catastrophic plunge in value.

Merchants across the nation participated in a coordinated strike Sunday, shuttering storefronts to protest deteriorating financial conditions that have crippled household purchasing power.

Iran's president acknowledged Sunday his administration remains committed to resolving the country's economic turmoil—his first public statement since unrest erupted last month.

Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, demanded "decisive action" against individuals he characterized as "rioters."

Communications Infrastructure Collapsed
Authorities have maintained a comprehensive internet shutdown and telecommunications disruption exceeding 72 hours, severing digital contact for vast population segments. London-headquartered monitoring organization NetBlocks confirmed Sunday that telemetry data shows the countrywide internet restriction "remains firmly in place."

During confrontations in Tehran's outer areas, an Iranian police officer died amid the upheaval, highlighting casualties mounting on both sides.

Official death statistics remain unavailable, but HRANA, a US-based human rights organization, calculates fatalities have climbed to at least 544—encompassing security personnel and demonstrators—with more than 1,000 suffering injuries.

HRANA additionally documented at least 10,681 arrests spanning protests across 585 sites nationwide, including 186 municipalities throughout all 31 provinces.

Regime Issues Stark Warnings
Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei publicly denounced what he termed "collaboration with foreigners," accusing US President Donald Trump of capitalizing on domestic instability while demanding national solidarity.

Iranian authorities have blamed Washington and Tel Aviv for fueling the increasingly violent demonstrations, particularly in Tehran, where armed protesters have torched government facilities, financial institutions, public transportation, and religious sites in recent days.

Global Response Intensifies
Australia advised its nationals to depart Iran "as soon as possible" given the persistent violent nationwide protests that may intensify unpredictably.

President Donald Trump repeated warnings Saturday to Tehran, declaring that Washington was "watching very carefully" and would "hit them very hard where it hurts" if Iranian authorities killed protesters.

Iran's parliament speaker cautioned Sunday that Israel, the US military, and shipping centers would be deemed "legitimate targets" if Washington launches a military attack on Tehran.

The uprising commenced Dec. 28, initially ignited by economic complaints tied to inflation and currency collapse, but has since evolved into widespread anti-government resistance.

MENAFN12012026000045017169ID1110584881