Iran is facing one of its most volatile periods of unrest as protests approach their third week and authorities have imposed a nationwide internet shutdown in an apparent attempt to stifle demonstrations that have spread across the country.  

As of Friday, at least 51 people have been killed since the protests erupted in late December, according to Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights. The US-based Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA) reported on Thursday that more than 2,200 people have been arrested. Videos circulating online showed protesters setting fire to buildings, including the offices of the state broadcaster in Isfahan, and chanting slogans such as “death to the dictator” and “freedom, freedom” in Tehran. 

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has publicly backed the protests and threatened US military action — though without boots on the ground — if Iranian authorities kill demonstrators. 

On Friday, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei wrote on X, “Last night in Tehran & some other cities, a bunch of people bent on destruction came and destroyed buildings that belong to their own country in order to please the President of the US and make him happy.”