Violent anti-government protests in Iran, 45 people killed

Nationwide protests against the economic crisis in Iran have continued unabated, with 45 people, including security personnel, killed since December 28.

According to foreign media reports, the ongoing protests in Iran have spread to 27 provinces, where shopkeepers and other citizens are staging daily demonstrations at various locations. During the latest protests, demonstrators blocked roads by burning tires in major cities.

Iranian media reported that armed militants threw stones and opened fire on police during the protests.

Reports indicate that additional police and security personnel have been deployed across the country to control the violent protests and prevent them from spreading further.

Meanwhile, internet services have been completely shut down across Iran during the protests.

Internet monitoring group NetBlocks confirmed the internet shutdown, stating that it is unclear what the actual reason is, although Iranian authorities have previously suspended internet services during protests.

It has been 12 days since the public in Iran has been protesting against rising prices and the sharp decline in the value of the currency, resulting in dozens of deaths during the demonstrations.

In an interview, the US President warned that if protesters are killed during the demonstrations, he will give a strong and severe response to Iran.

Tehran, January 9 (UNI) Iranian state media broke their silence today, Friday, regarding the nationwide protests that continued throughout the night, stating that US and Israeli "terrorist agents" have ignited and fueled violence in Iran.

In the 8 am broadcast on Iranian state television, a brief and muted report was issued at the official level regarding the protests. The report claimed that there were casualties as a result of the violent incidents during the protests but did not provide details.

It was further stated that during the protests, "citizens' personal cars, motorcycles, and public places like metro, fire brigade trucks, and buses were set on fire."

The Iranian government has shut down the internet and international phone calls, making it difficult to contact people within the country.

Large-scale protests have been ongoing in the country since 8 pm local time on Thursday, following a public appeal issued by Reza Pahlavi, a member of the Iranian royal family, on Wednesday. Reza Pahlavi is the last son of the deposed Shah of Iran after the 1979 revolution and lives in exile, referring to himself as the "crown prince."

NetBlocks said in a statement on X that "Live metrics show that Iran is currently undergoing a nationwide internet shutdown," although no official statement has been issued by the authorities.

The internet shutdown began after weeks of protests against the decline in the value of the rial and economic difficulties.

Human rights groups say the protests started in Tehran's Grand Bazaar and have since resulted in the deaths of at least 38 people.

Tehran has condemned the US for "interfering in Iran's internal affairs" and accused Washington of "hostility towards the Iranian people."