Iran anti-government protests spread to majority of provinces, videos show

Iran anti-government protests have spread to at least 17 of the country's 31 provinces, marking the largest challenge to the clerical establishment since 2022. Videos show demonstrations in over 40 towns and cities across Iran, including previously loyal regions like Qom and Mashhad. While initial responses from authorities appeared more restrained, security forces have escalated their use of force, leading to at least 35 deaths, according to human rights groups. The protests began as a backlash against the government's mismanagement of the struggling economy but have taken an anti-state tone, with protesters chanting slogans against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and calling for the ouster of the Islamic Republic. Despite widespread demonstrations, experts believe they do not yet pose an existential threat to the state.