Iran Protests Intensify: Thousands on Streets, Statues Torn Down Amid Calls for Leadership Change

Iran is gripped by its largest protests in years, with thousands taking to the streets and dozens killed in clashes with security forces. The protests, which began on December 28 over the country's struggling economy, have spread to multiple cities, including the capital Tehran, and have become increasingly violent. Reports suggest that the protests have intensified following a call to action by exiled prince Reza Pahlavi, who has been a vocal critic of Iran's clerical leadership. Demonstrators have been chanting slogans against the regime, including "Pahlavi will return" and "Khamenei must go", in reference to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The situation took a turn for the worse on Thursday, when the internet was shut down across the country and a statue of Qassem Soleimani, a former foreign operations commander of the Revolutionary Guards, was pulled down in the southern province of Fars. At least 42 people have been killed since the protests began, according to reports. US President Donald Trump has condemned the violence and has threatened to take strong action if Iran's security forces continue to crack down on protesters. Exiled prince Reza Pahlavi has also called on European leaders to follow the US in supporting the Iranian people and holding the regime accountable. The protests have been driven by widespread resentment against Iran's clerical leadership and the country's struggling economy, which has seen inflation soar to 42.5% in December 2025. University students have been at the forefront of the protests, with 34 universities involved and 46 gatherings held on university campuses. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community is watching with growing concern. The Iranian government has accused "terrorist agents" of the US and Israel of sparking the violence, but protesters say they are fighting for a better future and an end to the regime's decades-long rule.