Iran has shut down internet and international phone services as anti-government protests continue to spread across the country. The demonstrations began due to public anger over the rising cost of living and have now entered their 11th day. Authorities have responded with a strong crackdown, while international leaders have spoken out in support of the protesters.

Before communication services were cut, videos shared online showed large crowds in Tehran and other cities chanting slogans such as “Death to the dictator” and “Death to the Islamic Republic.” Fires could be seen burning in several streets as people gathered to protest against Iran’s ruling Islamic regime.

According to the Norway-based group Iran Human Rights, 45 protesters have been killed by Iranian security forces since the unrest began in late December. Another organisation, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), reported that more than 2,200 people have been arrested.

Iranian state media confirmed on Friday that protests were taking place and admitted that there had been casualties, though it did not provide specific numbers. The media accused “terrorist agents” backed by the United States and Israel of encouraging violence.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addressed the nation for the first time since the protests began. In a speech broadcast on state television, he said the Islamic regime would “not back down” in the face of growing unrest and public calls for regime change.

Khamenei described the protesters as “vandals” and “saboteurs.” He said they were “ruining their own streets to make the president of another country happy,” referring to US President Donald Trump.

He also accused Trump of having blood on his hands, saying the US president’s hands were “stained with the blood of more than a thousand Iranians.” In an apparent reference to last year’s brief war between Iran and Israel, which was supported by the United States, Khamenei warned that Trump would face the same fate as Iran’s former shah.

“The arrogant US president will face a similar fate to the shah of Iran,” Khamenei said, referring to the ruler who was overthrown in the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

He added, “Last night in Tehran, a bunch of vandals came and destroyed a building that belongs to them to please the US president.” During his speech, supporters in the audience chanted “Death to America.”

The protests began in Tehran last month over Iran’s worsening economic situation and a rapidly falling currency. Over time, the demonstrations grew into a larger movement challenging the legitimacy of the Islamic government.

On Thursday, large crowds gathered on Ayatollah Kashani Boulevard, a major road in northwest Tehran. Protests were also reported in other parts of the country, including Kurdish regions in western Iran, Tabriz in the north, and Mashhad in the east.

Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah, has openly supported the protests. Now living in exile, he called on people to take to the streets at 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday.

“Great nation of Iran, the eyes of the world are upon you. Take to the streets, and as a united front, shout your demands,” Pahlavi wrote on X.

Many demonstrators have chanted slogans in support of the exiled Pahlavi dynasty.

Iranian security forces have been accused of firing on protesters. Internet monitoring group Netblocks reported that authorities have severely restricted internet access as demonstrations continue.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who is seen as a reformist, called for calm. He said officials should show “utmost restraint” and urged “dialogue, engagement, and listening to the people’s demands.”

European leaders also expressed support for the protesters. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said he condemns “the excessive use of violence against peaceful demonstrators and calls on the Iranian authorities to adhere to their international obligations.”

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said, “The world is once again witnessing the brave people of Iran stand up. Europe stands by their side.”

US President Donald Trump warned Iran against killing protesters. He said the United States would strike “very hard” if Iran “starts killing people.” In an interview with radio host Hugh Hewitt, Trump repeated that the US would intervene if “peaceful protesters” were violently attacked.

Trump had also ordered US military strikes on Iran last year to target its nuclear enrichment facilities.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the protests were a chance for Iranians to “take their futures into their hands.”

Despite international pressure, Khamenei insisted that Iran “will not yield to the enemy.”

These demonstrations are the largest since the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement that followed the death of Kurdish-Iranian woman Jina Mahsa Amini in police custody in 2022. Many Iranians, especially young people, say they are unhappy with political restrictions, social rules, and foreign policy decisions.

“The younger generation no longer believes in revolutionary slogans — it wants to live freely,” a former senior government official said.

Mina, a resident of Kuhdasht in western Iran, told Reuters, “I just want to live a peaceful, normal life.” She added, “Instead, they insist on a nuclear program, supporting armed groups in the region, and maintaining hostility toward the United States.”

She said, “Those policies may have made sense in 1979, but not today. The world has changed.”