Anti-government demonstrations in Iran surged overnight amid a deepening economic crisis, with protesters reportedly setting fire to the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) building in the central city of Isfahan, according to videos circulating on X. Due to sweeping internet and media restrictions, the footage could not be independently verified.
Human-rights groups cited by Fox News say at least 45 people have been killed nationwide since the latest wave of unrest began, as rallies expanded beyond Tehran to Qom, Isfahan, Bandar Abbas and Bojnurd. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian urged security forces to show “maximum restraint,” while authorities claimed they had detained several “instigators” allegedly linked to foreign actors and seized smuggled weapons.
U.S. President Donald Trump escalated tensions, warning on social media that the United States is prepared to respond “very severely” if Iranian authorities kill peaceful protesters. Tehran condemned the remarks, placed its military on high alert, and threatened potential strikes on U.S. bases in the Middle East, vowing it would not wait to be attacked before responding. Iranian officials framed any assault on its security or territory as a “red line.”
Germany on Thursday condemned what it called Iran’s “excessive use of force” against demonstrators and expressed concern about the government’s crackdown. Internet monitoring groups reported a nationwide shutdown on Friday, further constraining information flows as protests spread to additional provinces.
The renewed turmoil follows months of inflation, currency depreciation and shortages that have fueled public anger. With both sides trading warnings, regional diplomats fear miscalculation could widen the crisis beyond Iran’s borders.