"The internet blackout across Iran is meant to prevent protests from spreading, and observers from witnessing the crackdown on them. But it's also emblematic of the deep uncertainty surrounding this unrest and the response of a regime under growing pressure. Rocketing inflation and a tanking currency sparked the protests in late December. They have since broadened and spread. Videos showed thousands marching in Tehran on Thursday night and people setting fire to vehicles and state-owned buildings."
"The supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, initially acknowledged legitimate economic demands. Now he is hardening his attack upon saboteurs who he says are seeking to please Donald Trump, after the US president threatened to intervene and hit hard if more protesters died. The head of the judiciary said the consequences for demonstrators would be decisive, maximum and without any legal leniency."
An internet blackout in Iran is being used to limit protest spread and obscure the state's response. Protests began in late December after soaring inflation and a collapsing currency and have since broadened, with videos showing large marches and arson at vehicles and state-owned buildings. Demonstrations include participants demanding the regime's fall and have led to dozens of deaths, including children, according to NGOs. The supreme leader shifted from acknowledging economic grievances to blaming saboteurs, while the judiciary threatens decisive, maximum penalties. The regime faces limited economic options, internal dissent, degraded regional influence, and leadership health concerns.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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