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Anti-Khamenei protests intensify across Iran as Reza Pahlavi issues rallying call

Anti-regime protests have intensified across Iran amid soaring inflation and an internet shutdown, with demonstrators chanting against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei as unrest spreads nationwide.

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Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Anti-government protests against Iran’s Islamic regime have intensified across Tehran and other parts of the country, with demonstrators chanting slogans against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei amid a deepening economic crisis and widespread restrictions imposed by authorities.

As night fell on Thursday, neighbourhoods across the Iranian capital echoed with chants after exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi called on people to protest at 8 pm local time. Witnesses said crowds gathered despite heavy security presence, with slogans including “Death to the dictator” and “Death to the Islamic Republic” heard in multiple areas.

Internet shutdown and warnings from authorities

Iranian authorities cut off internet access and international telephone calls as the demonstrations gained momentum. The judiciary and security forces warned of a harsh response, even as protesters continued chanting calls for freedom.

Pahlavi accused the government of attempting to silence dissent by shutting down communication networks. He said landlines, internet services and possibly satellite signals had been disrupted to prevent images and voices from reaching the outside world.

The exiled prince urged European leaders to join US President Donald Trump in holding the Iranian regime accountable and called for technical and diplomatic efforts to restore communication access for Iranians.

Support for monarchy slogans resurfaces

Some demonstrators were heard chanting slogans in praise of Iran’s former monarchy, including “This is the last battle, Pahlavi will return.” While such chants were once punishable by death, their re-emergence reflects growing anger over economic hardship and political repression.

It remains unclear whether the slogans indicate direct support for Reza Pahlavi or a broader rejection of the system established after the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Protests spread nationwide, casualties reported

Demonstrations have continued to spread to cities and rural towns across Iran, with markets and bazaars shutting down in solidarity. At least 42 people have been killed and more than 2,270 detained since the unrest began, according to human rights groups based outside Iran.

Reports have also emerged of security personnel being killed or injured during clashes. Iranian media have reported fatal attacks on police officers and security forces in multiple provinces, including Tehran’s outskirts, Kermanshah, and northeastern regions.

Economic crisis fuels unrest

The current wave of protests, the largest in three years, began in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar after shopkeepers protested the sharp fall of the national currency. Iran’s inflation rate stood at 52 per cent year-on-year in December, according to official data.

The rial has continued to weaken, with one US dollar now costing around 1.4 million rials. Protesters have blamed economic mismanagement, sanctions, and restrictions on social and political freedoms for their worsening living conditions.

President Masoud Pezeshkian has acknowledged the economic pain faced by citizens and described protesters’ demands as legitimate, though he admitted the government’s ability to reverse the currency collapse is limited.

Leaderless movement and uncertain outcome

Despite the scale of the unrest, the protests remain largely leaderless. Analysts note that the absence of a clear alternative leadership has weakened previous protest movements in Iran, with many potential leaders having been arrested, exiled or silenced over the years.

Authorities have yet to launch a full-scale crackdown, though past internet shutdowns have often preceded harsher measures.

Trump issues warning to Tehran

US President Donald Trump warned Iran last week against violently suppressing peaceful protesters, saying the country would “pay hell” if security forces killed demonstrators. He stopped short of confirming any direct engagement with Pahlavi, stating that it was too early to determine who might emerge as a leader of the movement.

As protests continue and communication restrictions remain in place, the situation inside Iran remains tense, with uncertainty over how the regime will respond in the coming days.

Latest world news

India, Canada discuss trade pact to boost bilateral commerce

India and Canada discussed advancing negotiations on a proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement aimed at expanding trade, investment and market access between the two countries.

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India canada trade pacts

India and Canada discussed advancing negotiations on a proposed trade agreement as the two countries seek to strengthen their economic and commercial ties.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met Canada’s Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu, who is leading a Canadian delegation to India. The discussions focused on advancing negotiations for the proposed India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

The proposed pact is aimed at creating greater market access and opening up new opportunities for trade and investment between the two countries.

India-Canada CEPA talks

Both sides discussed the importance of a balanced and mutually beneficial agreement that can make use of the complementary strengths of the two economies.

The discussions also focused on deepening commercial engagement and creating new opportunities for businesses in both countries.

Goyal said the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to taking the India-Canada economic partnership to a higher level, with CEPA serving as a catalyst for deeper commercial engagement.

India and Canada are working towards concluding the CEPA negotiations by the end of 2026.

India-Canada trade

The proposed CEPA is aimed at improving market access and creating opportunities across sectors while strengthening the broader economic relationship between India and Canada.

The agreement is expected to provide greater opportunities for businesses in both countries and support deeper trade and investment ties.

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Latest world news

White House put on temporary lockdown after car crashes into signpost

The White House was temporarily placed under lockdown after a car crashed into a signpost near Lafayette Square in Washington, DC. The driver was detained after a confrontation with security personnel.

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The White House was placed under a temporary lockdown on Monday after a car crashed into a signpost at Lafayette Square near the presidential residence in Washington, DC.

The incident triggered a security response in the area, with the US Secret Service directing members of the White House press corps to move indoors and remain there temporarily.

Driver detained after confrontation with security personnel

The driver was detained following a confrontation with Secret Service officers and National Guard personnel, according to reports.

Video footage showed a silver sedan on the paved area at the northern end of Lafayette Square after striking a signpost. Smoke was also seen coming from the vehicle.

Authorities had not immediately disclosed the driver’s identity or established what led to the crash.

White House security restrictions imposed

The security response prompted temporary restrictions around the White House. The incident occurred at Lafayette Square, which is directly across Pennsylvania Avenue from the presidential complex.

At around 10 am local time, Secret Service personnel instructed White House journalists to move indoors while security personnel dealt with the incident.

The White House was under the security restriction while President Donald Trump was at the premises, according to reports.

Motive behind crash remains unclear

It was not immediately known whether the crash was accidental or deliberate. Authorities had also not immediately confirmed whether anyone was injured.

The circumstances surrounding the incident, including the driver’s identity and possible motive, remained under investigation.

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Football news

Cristiano Ronaldo announces retirement from international football

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to his 23-year career with Portugal after 234 appearances and 146 goals.

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Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing his 23-year career with Portugal towards an end.

The 41-year-old Portugal captain said he would hand back the No. 7 shirt of the national team after the November international break. Ronaldo made the announcement in a video message shared on social media.

The decision marks the end of one of the most decorated international careers in men’s football. Ronaldo has made 234 appearances for Portugal and scored 146 goals, both records at international level.

Ronaldo’s Portugal career comes to an end

Ronaldo made his Portugal debut in 2003 and went on to represent the country across more than two decades.

He helped Portugal win their first major international trophy at Euro 2016. He was also part of the teams that won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.

Ronaldo’s international career also included six World Cup appearances. His final World Cup came in 2026, when Portugal were eliminated by eventual champions Spain in the last 16.

Ronaldo reflects on 23 years with Portugal

Announcing his decision, Ronaldo said it was not an easy choice and described his time representing Portugal as a privilege and responsibility.

He thanked his family, the Portuguese people, as well as the teammates, coaches and staff who were part of his international journey.

Ronaldo also said that Portugal would always remain a part of him.

Record-breaking international career

Ronaldo leaves the Portugal setup as the men’s all-time leading international goalscorer and the player with the most international appearances.

His 146 goals came across 234 appearances for Portugal. He also became one of only two players, alongside Lionel Messi, to feature at six World Cups.

His international career included major individual records as well as team honours, making his departure one of the biggest moments in modern international football.

What happens next

Ronaldo’s announcement comes after he said he would hand back Portugal’s No. 7 shirt following the November international break.

Portugal have Nations League fixtures during the November window, but Ronaldo’s announcement means his international career is now set to conclude after that break.

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