Iranian authorities have confirmed the detention of prominent figures within the nationwide protest movement that has gripped the Islamic Republic for two weeks. National Police Chief Ahmad-Reza Radan disclosed on state television that “significant arrests were made of the main elements in the riots” during Saturday evening operations, though specific details regarding the number or identities of those detained remain undisclosed.
The government has implemented a strategic differentiation between legitimate economic grievances and what it categorizes as unlawful disturbances. Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani characterized protests stemming from economic hardship as “completely understandable” while condemning what he termed “riots” that employ methods “very similar to the terrorist groups.”
Tehran presents a landscape of escalating tension and economic strain. According to AFP correspondents, the capital experiences near-paralysis with substantial price inflation—meat costs have nearly doubled since demonstrations began. Commercial activity remains severely restricted, with operating businesses forced to close by late afternoon coinciding with intensified security deployments.
Communication networks have faced deliberate disruption, with mobile services becoming largely unavailable on Saturday, effectively severing contact channels for organizers and participants. The government’s containment strategy extends beyond arrests to include systematic suppression of information flow.
Exiled opposition figure Reza Pahlavi, son of the deposed shah, has emerged as a vocal supporter of the demonstrations, urging continued street presence and promising future personal involvement. Meanwhile, international tensions escalate as U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened military intervention should Iranian authorities initiate lethal force against protesters.
Iranian officials responded with unequivocal warnings. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf declared that any American military action would trigger retaliatory strikes against “occupied territory and centres of the US military and shipping,” implicitly referencing Israel which Iran considers occupied Palestinian land.