Iran Protests Enter 13th Day Amid Deadly Crackdown and Nationwide Internet Blackout
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Iran’s anti-government protests have entered their thirteenth day, with the death toll rising to at least 51, including nine children, as demonstrations sweep across the country despite a sweeping internet blackout imposed by the regime. The blackout, intended to stifle communication and block information flow to the outside world, has failed to quell the unrest, which has become the most significant challenge to the Islamic Republic in nearly five decades.
Videos circulating on social media before the blackout showed scenes of vehicles ablaze and crowds clashing with security forces, reflecting widespread anger over rising prices, currency collapse, and political repression. According to reports from Iran Human Rights, hundreds have been injured in the confrontations, underscoring the brutal crackdown by Iranian authorities.
At a press conference in Washington, President Donald Trump described the situation as dire for Iran’s leadership. “Iran’s in big trouble,” he said, noting that protesters have taken control of cities previously thought secure by the regime. Trump warned that the United States is prepared to respond decisively if Tehran resorts to mass violence. “We’ll be hitting them very hard where it hurts. And that doesn’t mean boots on the ground, but it means hitting them very, very hard where it hurts,” he stated.
While emphasizing that the administration hopes to avoid military engagement, Trump criticized the Iranian regime’s mistreatment of its people, suggesting the unrest is a direct consequence of decades of repression. “They’ve done a bad job. They’ve treated the people very badly, and now they’re being paid back,” he said.
Banafsheh Zand, an Iranian-American journalist and editor of the Iran So Far Away Substack, described the protests as unprecedented since the founding of the Islamic Republic 47 years ago. She predicted the demonstrations would intensify despite the communications blackout, with large crowds expected to flood the streets following Friday prayers.
A senior U.S. official told Department of Defense reporters that while there has been no change to the U.S. military posture in the Middle East, Central Command is closely monitoring developments, particularly the regime’s response to Friday’s protests.
International leaders have also taken notice. The heads of France, the United Kingdom, and Germany issued a joint statement calling for restraint and respect for human rights, signaling growing global concern over the Iranian government’s violent crackdown.
The Iranian government’s decision to impose a nationwide internet blackout mirrors tactics used in previous uprisings but appears insufficient to stem the tide of dissent. Analysts warn that cutting off communications may further inflame tensions by isolating citizens and limiting access to independent information.
As the protests continue to spread, the world watches closely. The situation remains fluid, with the potential to reshape the political landscape of the region. The United States and its allies face a delicate balancing act between supporting democratic aspirations and avoiding escalation into armed conflict.
For ongoing updates on the situation and U.S. government responses, visit the U.S. Department of State and White House official websites.
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