Iranian protesters on Thursday escalated their challenge to the country’s leadership, launching the largest demonstrations yet in nearly two weeks of rallies.
According to a report in Iran International, tens of thousands of people were taking part in demonstrations in major cities across Iran, including the capital, Tehran.
The Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights (IHR) said that security forces had killed at least 45 protesters, including eight minors, since the demonstrations began.
According to the NGO, Wednesday was the bloodiest day so far, with 13 protesters confirmed killed.
A nationwide internet blackout was reported in Iran on Thursday as the anti-government protests continued, Reuters reported, citing online watchdog Netblock.
Netblock stated: “Live metrics show Iran is now in the midst of a nationwide internet blackout. The incident follows a series of escalating digital censorship measures targeting protests across the country and hinders the public’s right to communicate at a critical moment."
Later, it was reported that phone service in Iran was also disrupted.
Despite the blackout, footage emerged from Iran showing protesters hanging the monarchist flag of the Pahlavi dynasty on a statue in the Lorestan province.
Experts on Iranian affairs noted that Thursday has been one of the most turbulent and severe days since the start of the current wave of protests in the country.
US President Donald Trump commented on the latest developments in Iran, warning that if Iran starts killing protesters, "we're going to hit them very hard."
Iran International reported earlier this week that internet access had been cut off or reduced in parts of Iran since Saturday night. The areas with the strongest protests were most affected by internet restrictions.
Affected cities and towns included Asadabad, Kermanshah, Dezful, Malekshahi, Malard, Marvdasht, Kuhdasht, Borazjan, Mashhad, Shiraz, and parts of Tehran.
Protesters took to the streets in Ilam in western Iran on Wednesday evening, chanting “Death to Khamenei," according to videos sent to Iran International.
Other footage posted to social media showed protesters destroying and toppling a statue of Qassem Soleimani, former head of the Quds Force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), in Fars Province