Iran Protests Escalate: Reza Pahlavi Urges Protesters to Seize City Centres Amid Internet Blackout

Anti-government protests in Iran intensified on Saturday as Reza Pahlavi, son of the deposed Iranian monarch, urged demonstrators to prepare to seize and defend city centres, signalling a sharp escalation in the nationwide unrest.

In a social media message, Pahlavi called on Iranians to gather in public spaces with national symbols and flags, stating that the movement’s objective had shifted from street demonstrations to gaining control of key urban areas. He also said he was preparing to return to Iran once what he described as a “national revolution” succeeds.

The appeal came as Iran entered more than 24 hours of a nationwide internet shutdown, severely restricting communication and access to information. Internet monitoring groups reported connectivity levels dropping to near-total blackout as authorities attempted to curb the spread of protests.

Iran’s leadership has blamed foreign powers for the unrest. Speaking to the United Nations, Iran’s ambassador accused the United States of transforming peaceful demonstrations into violent and destabilising acts. Tehran has repeatedly alleged interference by Washington and Israel, claims that have been rejected by U.S. officials.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei signalled a tough response, warning protesters against what he described as disorder and vandalism. Iran’s judiciary chief has also vowed “decisive” punishment, indicating an imminent crackdown. Anti-government protests in Iran intensified on Saturday as Reza Pahlavi, son of the deposed Iranian monarch, urged demonstrators to prepare to seize and defend city centres, signalling a sharp escalation in the nationwide unrest.

In a social media message, Pahlavi called on Iranians to gather in public spaces with national symbols and flags, stating that the movement’s objective had shifted from street demonstrations to gaining control of key urban areas. He also said he was preparing to return to Iran once what he described as a “national revolution” succeeds.

The appeal came as Iran entered more than 24 hours of a nationwide internet shutdown, severely restricting communication and access to information. Internet monitoring groups reported connectivity levels dropping to near-total blackout as authorities attempted to curb the spread of protests.

Iran’s leadership has blamed foreign powers for the unrest. Speaking to the United Nations, Iran’s ambassador accused the United States of transforming peaceful demonstrations into violent and destabilising acts. Tehran has repeatedly alleged interference by Washington and Israel, claims that have been rejected by U.S. officials.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei signalled a tough response, warning protesters against what he described as disorder and vandalism. Iran’s judiciary chief has also vowed “decisive” punishment, indicating an imminent crackdown.