Iran protests spread nationwide as NGO reports dozens killed

Anti-government protests in Iran spread further across the country on Thursday.

The Norway-based Iran Human Rights NGO reported that 45 demonstrators have now been killed by Iranian security forces since the unrest began in late December.

The demonstrations began last month with protests in the capital, Tehran, over Iran's economic woes and plunging currency. They have since morphed into a movement that is challenging the legitimacy of the country's ruling Islamic government.

On Thursday, mass protests were held in Tehran. According to images on social media verified by the AFP news agency, protesters massed on Ayatollah Kashani Boulevard, a key avenue in the northwest of the Iranian capital.

Protests were also reported in other areas, such as Kurdish regions in the western part of the country, Tabriz in the north and the holy city of Mashhad in the east.

Reza Pahlavi, the son of the last Shah of Iran before the 1979 Islamic revolution, has thrown his support behind the protests, which are now on their 11th day. Demonstrators on the ground have voiced chants in support of the exiled Pahlavi Dynasty.

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

In response, the Iranian security forces have been accused of opening fire on the protesters. Internet monitoring organization Netblocks on Thursday reported that Iranian authorities have severely curbed internet access in the country as the demonstrations continue.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, a reformist, said authorities should exercise "utmost restraint" when handling the demonstrations. He called for "dialogue, engagement, and listening to the people's demands."

European officials, meanwhile, voiced their support for the demonstrators in new remarks on Thursday.

Germany's 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 also expressed solidarity with the protesters.

"The world is once again witnessing the brave people of Iran stand up," Metsola said in a video post on X. "Europe stands by their side."

During an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, Trump repeated his threat that the US would strike "very hard" if Iran "starts killing people."

Trump had ordered the US armed forces last year to attack Iran in an attempt to dismantle Iranian nuclear enrichment capabilities.

The protests in Iran are the largest in the country since 2023, which were triggered by the death of Kurdish-Iranian woman Jina Mahsa Amini.

Amini was arrested in September 22 by Iran's religious morality police for wearing her headscarf incorrectly. She died while in the custody of Iranian law enforcement, with protesters believing her death was due to police brutality.