Iran Protests Escalate as Death Toll Hits 2,403, Exiled Prince Urges Army Support

Nationwide protests in Iran have intensified sharply, with the death toll rising to at least 2,403, as the country witnesses its deadliest unrest in decades. The demonstrations, which began over two weeks ago amid economic collapse, have now evolved into an open challenge to the ruling theocracy and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The surge in reported casualties came after Iranians were briefly able to make phone calls abroad following days of near-total communication blackouts imposed by authorities. Activist groups say the restored access allowed families and witnesses to relay information about killings and arrests that occurred during the crackdown.

Amid the escalating crisis, exiled Iranian crown prince Reza Pahlavi has urged Iran’s armed forces to side with protesters. In a public appeal, Pahlavi called on military personnel to recognise what he described as an irreversible rupture between the state and the people. He said the scale of violence had drawn global attention and warned against allowing authorities to project a false sense of normalcy.

Pahlavi also urged protesters to continue resisting and to document abuses, stating that those responsible for the killings would eventually be held accountable. His appeal marks one of the strongest calls yet from an opposition figure for defections within Iran’s security apparatus, a development analysts say would be critical to any major political change.

Iranian state television has issued its first indirect acknowledgement of the scale of deaths, saying the country has suffered “a lot of martyrs,” without providing official figures. The phrasing reflects the government’s narrative that security forces and civilians loyal to the state are among those killed, while placing blame on what it describes as armed or extremist groups.

International reactions have intensified alongside the unrest. Donald Trump has repeatedly voiced support for Iranian protesters, urging them to continue demonstrations and warning Tehran against executing detainees. In a televised interview, Trump said the United States would take “very strong action” if protesters were hanged, though he did not specify what form such action might take.

Trump has also said he cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials in response to what he called the senseless killing of civilians. In multiple public remarks, he encouraged Iranians to “take over” their institutions and claimed that international support was forthcoming, without offering details.

Human rights organisations continue to document the scale of the crackdown. The Human Rights Activists News Agency reported that at least 2,403 protesters have been killed nationwide, including minors, and said more than 18,000 people have been arrested since demonstrations began. The group noted that these figures represent a significant rise from earlier estimates, underscoring the intensity of the recent violence.

Despite the scale of unrest, analysts say Iran’s clerical establishment and security elite remain largely intact. Diplomats and regional experts note that while the government appears weakened, there are so far no visible fractures within top military or security ranks that would threaten the regime’s immediate survival. Iran has weathered multiple uprisings since 2009, demonstrating resilience even as internal pressures mount.

However, observers caution that survival does not equate to stability. With the economy under severe strain, international sanctions biting, and regional influence under pressure, Iran faces one of its most serious internal crises since the 1979 revolution. As protests continue and global scrutiny intensifies, the coming days may prove decisive in determining whether the unrest leads to systemic change or another cycle of suppression.