Iran Protests: Digital Blackout, Clashes As Exiled Prince Raza Pahlavi Heads To Trump’s Mar-a-Lago

Last Updated:January 08, 2026, 23:25 IST

The protests, began on December 28, and was triggered by anger over rising living costs.

Shopkeepers and traders walk over a bridge during a protest against the economic conditions and Iran's embattled currency in Tehran on December 29, 2025. (AFP)

Exiled Iranian prince Reza Pahlavi is expected to visit Mar-a-Lago next Tuesday to speak at the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast amid nationwide protests in Iran, journalist Laura Loomer said in a post on X.

According to Loomer, the visit comes at a time when Iran is witnessing nationwide protests. She added that there was no confirmation on whether Pahlavi would meet US President Donald Trump during the visit.

Nationwide Internet Blackout

A nationwide internet blackout was reported in Iran on Thursday, online watchdog Netblocks said, as the death toll mounts from a crackdown by authorities after 12 days of economic protests.

In a statement on social media, the group said, “Live metrics show Iran is now in the midst of a nationwide internet blackout. The incident follows a series of escalating digital censorship measures targeting protests across the country and hinders the public’s right to communicate at a critical moment."

Pezeshkian Calls For ‘Utmost Restraint’

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called for “utmost restraint" in handling demonstrations against the rising cost of living, which have lasted for 12 days and in which clashes have been reported in several locations nationwide.

“Any violent or coercive behaviour should be avoided," said Pezeshkian in a statement on his website, urging “utmost restraint" as well as “dialogue, engagement and listening to the people’s demands".

‘At Least 45 Protesters Killed’

The Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights said that Iranian security forces have killed at least 45 protesters, including eight minors, in a crackdown on demonstrations that began in late December.

The NGO said Wednesday was the bloodiest day of the now 12-day movement, with 13 protesters confirmed to have been killed.

“The evidence shows that the scope of crackdown is becoming more violent and more extensive every day," said IHR director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, adding hundreds more have been wounded and over 2,000 arrested.

Berlin Condemns

Germany condemned the “excessive use of force" against protesters in Iran after authorities used live fire and tear gas to disperse demonstrations sparked by an economic crisis.

“It is their right to express their opinion peacefully," said Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul of the protesters, who have taken to the streets for days.

Iran Warns US, Israel

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghachi said that Iran had no intention of going to war with Israel or the United States, but would respond decisively to any renewed attack.

Speaking to reporters on his arrival in Beirut, the Foreign Minister said Tehran remains open to negotiations with Washington over its nuclear programme, provided talks are conducted on the basis of mutual respect rather than what he described as “dictation" by the US.

Protests Expose Regime-People Divide

Nicholas Carl, a research fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and assistant director at the Critical Threats Project, said the ongoing protests in Iran underscore a deep and persistent divide between the regime and a large section of the population.

He noted that this is the fourth major wave of anti-regime protests since 2017, driven by issues such as corruption, economic mismanagement and strict social controls, including hijab enforcement.

Carl said the regime has shown little willingness to address these grievances, instead relying on ideological campaigns, coercion and repression, but added that unrest is likely to continue until meaningful change occurs.

The protests, began on December 28, and was triggered by anger over rising living costs. The protest started with a shutdown by merchants in the Tehran bazaar, a major economic hub, and have since spread to other areas, especially in western Iran, home to Kurdish and Lor minority groups.

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