Iran Protests: Trump continues to threaten Ayatollah Khamenei; Reza Pahlavi urges mass protests | Highlights

Iranian security forces have detained around 100 individuals accused of being armed rioters in Baharestan, a town near Tehran, Tasnim News Agency reported. The arrests come as part of ongoing security operations aimed at containing unrest and maintaining order in the region.

Iranian award-winning filmmakers Mohammad Rasoulof and Jafar Panahi have accused Iranian authorities of employing the “most blatant tools of repression” to clamp down on protesters. In a statement shared on Panahi’s Instagram account, the filmmakers said past experience shows that such measures are used to conceal the violence inflicted during the suppression of demonstrations.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards on Saturday warned that maintaining security was a “red line” as protests continue to grow across the country, according to reports. The statement followed remarks from Iran’s military leadership, which vowed to “resolutely protect and safeguard national interests, the country’s strategic infrastructure, and public property." 

Even as unrest in Iran continued overnight, the state broadcaster reported that a municipal building was set on fire in Karaj, west of Tehran. State television blamed “rioters” for the incident, according to Reuters. The broadcaster also aired footage it said showed funerals of security force members killed during protests in the cities of Shiraz, Qom and Hamedan, the report added.

Reza Pahlavi, the US-based son of Iran’s former shah, on Saturday urged Iranians to intensify their demonstrations by focusing on capturing and holding key city centres. In a video message shared on social media, Pahlavi said the movement must move beyond street protests and become more organised. “Our goal is no longer just to take to the streets. The goal is to prepare to seize and hold city centres,” he said, calling for renewed protests over the weekend and adding that he was preparing to return to Iran, a moment he described as drawing closer.

Protests that erupted on December 28 have now engulfed cities and towns across Iran, drawing tens of thousands into the streets. Even as authorities imposed sweeping internet restrictions and tightened security, protest activity reportedly continued late into Friday night, with videos circulating online showing crowds. 

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a brief statement on social media platform X expressing support for demonstrators in Iran. “The United States supports the brave people of Iran,” Rubio said, as protests continue to spread across the country amid growing political and economic unrest.

Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi took to X and wrote, “Your renewed and magnificent presence in the streets was a resounding response to the threats of the treacherous and criminal leader of the Islamic Republic." 

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed the protests as being driven by individuals acting to please the United States. Addressing supporters, he accused Washington of meddling and warned that those involved would face decisive punishment. Iran’s judiciary chief later reinforced the message, promising maximum penalties with no leniency.

US President Donald Trump said Iran is “in big trouble,” claiming protesters are taking control of cities once thought untouchable. The White House, he said, is closely monitoring the situation. Trump also warned Iranian leaders against using lethal force, threatening severe consequences if peaceful demonstrators are targeted.