Anti-Khamenei Protests Intensify in Iran; Exiled Prince Reza Pahlavi Urges Demonstrations

Anti-government protests against Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the Islamic Republic intensified on Thursday, with widespread demonstrations erupting across Tehran and other cities in response to a call from exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi. At 8 p.m. local time on both Thursday and Friday, neighborhoods in the capital echoed with chants of “Death to the dictator!” and “Death to the Islamic Republic!” and slogans praising the Pahlavi dynasty, including “Pahlavi will return!” and “This is the last battle!” Witnesses reported thousands taking to the streets, marking one of the most significant waves of dissent in recent years amid deepening economic despair and political repression.

The protests, which began last month in Tehran's Grand Bazaar over the rapid collapse of the Iranian rial, have since spread nationwide. Shopkeepers, bazaar traders, and citizens have voiced outrage over soaring inflation—reaching 52% year-on-year in December—driven by economic mismanagement, Western sanctions, and the aftermath of the 12-day Israel-Iran conflict in June. In a significant development, exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, son of the last Shah who fled during the 1979 Islamic Revolution, explicitly called for coordinated demonstrations at 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. Pahlavi described the regime's response—shutting down internet access, landlines, and international calls—as an attempt to silence the Iranian people's demands for freedom.

In statements from exile, Pahlavi condemned the communication blackout and urged European leaders to join U.S. President Donald Trump in holding the regime accountable. He called for the use of technical, financial, and diplomatic resources to restore connectivity and ensure the protesters' voices are heard. While some chants explicitly supported the return of the monarchy, analysts note it remains unclear whether this reflects broad backing for Pahlavi personally or a broader rejection of the post-1979 theocratic system. The demonstrations have remained largely leaderless, a pattern seen in previous rounds of unrest that have struggled without a unified opposition figure.

Also Read: ‘Beacon of Hope’: Reza Pahlavi Welcomes Trump’s Support for Iranian Protesters

Iranian authorities have responded with warnings of severe crackdowns. The hard-line Kayhan newspaper released footage suggesting security forces would deploy drones to identify participants, while reports indicate violence has claimed at least 42 lives and led to over 2,270 detentions, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. Incidents of attacks on security personnel have also been reported, including fatal stabbings and shootings in several provinces. Reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian has acknowledged the legitimacy of some economic grievances and urged action to address livelihoods, but he has limited leverage amid the currency's dramatic depreciation, with $1 now trading at around 1.4 million rials.

The escalation places mounting pressure on both the civilian government and Supreme Leader Khamenei, as bazaars and markets continue to shut in solidarity with protesters. From exile, Pahlavi has indicated he will outline further plans based on the response to his initial call. Meanwhile, President Trump has issued strong warnings, stating that any violent suppression of peaceful demonstrators would result in severe consequences for Tehran. The situation remains fluid, with the regime yet to launch a full-scale crackdown, leaving observers watching closely for the next developments in what has become the most sustained challenge to Iran's leadership in three years.

Also Read: Anti-Regime Protests Spread Across Iran Amid Inflation, Rial Collapse, and Economic Hardship