Jan 09, Kathmandu - Despite the Iranian government's complete shutdown of the internet and international telephone services, widespread protests erupted in various cities, including the capital Tehran, on Friday. Demonstrators took to the streets after exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi called for the demonstrations.

The streets of Tehran and other cities were littered with rubble after the demonstrations. Short online videos posted by activists showed protesters lighting fires and chanting slogans against Iran's theocratic regime. Iranian state television, which had been silent for a long time, responded for the first time on Friday, claiming the protests had turned violent and that there had been "casualties", but did not provide further details. State media also accused "terrorist agents" from the US and Israel of inciting the arson and violence.

The exact size and spread of the protests could not be immediately confirmed due to communication disruptions, but analysts say the movement, which began amid a weak economy, high inflation and unemployment, poses the most serious challenge to the government in years.

The protests are also seen as the first major test of public support for the call of exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, whose father, the former Prince, was forced to flee the country before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The recent demonstrations, which have included chants in support of the Shah, are seen as a sign of the depth of public anger, compared to earlier demonstrations that could have led to the death penalty.