Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has declared that the Islamic republic will not yield to mounting protests, which have erupted across major cities in response to economic hardship and dissatisfaction with the clerical regime. Demonstrators, chanting slogans against the leadership and setting fire to government buildings, have staged the largest rallies seen in nearly two weeks, prompting authorities to impose a nationwide internet blackout.

Khamenei condemned the protesters as 'vandals' and accused Donald Trump of having 'blood on his hands', predicting that the United States leader would be 'overthrown' like Iran's former imperial dynasty. The protests, marked by calls for an end to the theocratic rule, represent one of the most significant challenges to the regime in decades.

Videos from Tehran and other cities show large crowds defying security forces, with some incidents of arson targeting state institutions. The movement has also affected universities, with exams postponed amid the unrest. Rights groups allege that authorities have fired on protesters, resulting in dozens of deaths, though recent footage did not show direct intervention by security forces.

Opposition figures, including the exiled son of Iran's last shah, have urged continued demonstrations, arguing that mass participation can weaken the regime's grip on power. The situation remains tense as both the government and protesters prepare for further confrontations.