Tehran: Protests in Iran, which have been ongoing for the past two weeks, escalated on Thursday. Following an appeal by Iran's exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, large numbers of people took to the streets in the capital Tehran and other cities. This was the largest demonstration in the two weeks of ongoing rallies. The Iranian regime then deployed a large number of security forces. Internet connectivity has been shut down across the country and telephone lines have been disconnected. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump warned the Islamic regime against using force against the protesters. Following Trump's threat, Iranian airspace has been closed.
NOTAM issued in Iran
According to reports, thousands of people took to the streets in various parts of the country, including Tehran. People were chanting slogans against Khamenei and demanding his removal from power. Several videos showed incidents of arson on the streets. At midnight, the Iranian government began taking strict action to suppress the protesters. As protesters took to the streets late Thursday night, internet access and phone services were cut off. A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has been issued in several areas. A NOTAM is issued in the event of an air hazard, indicating that pilots should be on alert. There are also reports of defense systems being activated in several parts of the country.
Internet shut down nationwide
Internet monitoring group NetBlocks said that live data showed connectivity had been disrupted across multiple service providers, leaving a large part of the country without internet access. NetBlocks said that live metrics indicate that Iran is now in the midst of a nationwide internet blackout. Trump warns Iran
US President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to Iran, saying the US will take firm action if authorities begin killing protesters. Speaking with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, Trump said, "I told them (Iran) that 'if they start killing people, like they do during their riots—if they do that, we're going to hit them very, very hard.'"
Trump's threat comes as human rights groups have accused the Iranian regime of firing on protesters. Human rights activists say at least 45 people have already been killed in clashes related to the protests, including eight minors. The Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights said that security forces had killed at least 45 protesters before the demonstrations even began on Thursday. Wednesday was the bloodiest day, with 13 protesters killed.
