For the past two weeks, Iranians have taken to the streets in protest against a deepening economic crisis and the Islamic Republic that has ruled the country for nearly five decades.
The regime has responded by plunging the country into an internet blackout as the demonstrations – sometimes turning violent – spread to more than 100 cities.
The unrest has global implications. Donald Trump, the US president, has threatened to step in and “rescue” Iranians if the regime turns to its default response to mass unrest: violent suppression.
What’s happening?
The protests erupted on Dec 28 and have since escalated into widespread demonstrations across more than 100 cities, including major urban centres like Tehran and Isfahan.
Demonstrators have clashed with security forces, setting fires to public buildings and chanting slogans against the Islamic Republic and its leaders.
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