Iran plunged into a near-total internet blackout as nationwide protests intensified across all 31 provinces, with demonstrators staging strikes, clashing with security forces, and toppling symbols of the regime. Rights groups say at least 45 protesters have been killed since December, with January 7 marking the deadliest day so far. As unrest spread, Tehran issued warnings of possible pre-emptive strikes against its enemies, while U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to “hit Iran very hard” if protesters were killed. The crisis has fueled fears of wider regional escalation amid rising Iran–U.S.–Israel tensions.