TEHRAN – Armed protesters clashed with Iranian security forces on Friday in the Tehranpars neighborhood of the capital, as nationwide anti-government demonstrations entered their third week and escalated into some of the most violent unrest seen in years. The clashes unfolded amid growing international concern and warnings from former U.S. President Donald Trump of a potential forceful response if American interests are threatened.

Videos filmed on mobile phones and shared with international media showed repeated gunfire echoing through city streets as Iran’s State Security Forces confronted what officials described as “rebellious youth.” In the footage, demonstrators can be heard chanting slogans such as “Death to Khamenei,” “Death to the dictator,” and “We are all together,” while people ran for cover amid the chaos.

Rising death toll and mass arrests

Eyewitnesses reported severe violence across multiple cities as protests spread to all 31 provinces of Iran. According to testimonies collected by human rights organizations, armed security forces opened fire on demonstrators, leaving what some witnesses described as “numerous dead” and “bodies piled up” in hospital facilities.

A U.S.-based human rights group reported that at least 78 protesters have been killed and more than 2,600 people arrested, though activists later warned that the death toll may exceed 100 fatalities as violence continues. Iran has also been without internet and phone services for more than 60 hours, following a government-ordered communications blackout aimed at suppressing coordination among demonstrators.

Trump warning and Iranian retaliation threats

As unrest deepens, Iranian officials issued stark warnings to Washington. The Speaker of Iran’s Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, declared that U.S. military and commercial bases, as well as Israeli interests, would be considered “legitimate targets” if the United States intervenes militarily.

His remarks came as lawmakers chanted “Death to America” inside parliament, underscoring the regime’s confrontational stance. Trump, speaking earlier, stated that the United States stands ready to support the Iranian people, signaling that Washington is closely monitoring developments.

Calls for regime change and return of the monarchy

The protests gained renewed momentum after Reza Pahlavi, the exiled former crown prince of Iran, urged citizens to take to the streets. Pahlavi, now 65, was only 16 years old when the 1979 Islamic Revolution toppled his father, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, ending more than four decades of monarchy.

Chants such as “This is the final battle! Pahlavi will return!” and “Long live the king!” were widely reported during demonstrations, marking a rare and symbolic challenge to Iran’s theocratic system and highlighting deep divisions within Iranian society.

Growing uncertainty amid blackout

With Iran’s communications infrastructure largely shut down, verifying events on the ground has become increasingly difficult. Nevertheless, activists and international observers warn that the scale of violence is increasing, and that the situation may represent one of the most serious threats to the Islamic Republic in decades.

As protests persist and geopolitical tensions rise, Iran now faces mounting pressure both domestically and internationally, with the risk of broader regional escalation looming.