By Naomi Jeremiah

Protests swept across Iran into Friday morning despite a nationwide internet and phone shutdown, following a call for demonstrations by exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi.

Videos shared by activists before the blackout showed protesters chanting against the government in Tehran and other cities, with fires burning in the streets. The scale of the protests remains unclear due to the communications blackout.

Iranian state television confirmed the unrest on Friday, accusing foreign “terrorist agents” of causing violence and warning of casualties, without giving details.

The protests began in late December over Iran’s worsening economy and have since grown into one of the biggest challenges to the government in years. Some demonstrators were heard chanting in support of the former monarchy.

According to a U.S.-based rights group, at least 42 people have been killed and more than 2,270 arrested since the protests began.

Pahlavi accused the government of trying to silence protesters by cutting communication lines and called on world leaders to help restore internet access. U.S. President Donald Trump also warned Iran against using force on peaceful demonstrators.

With internet access still blocked, the situation remains tense and uncertain.

Culled from: The Associated Press