Causalities mount as IRGC said to open fire on crowds, though exact toll unclear as internet blackout continues into 3rd day; EU says it backs protesters, Trump again issues threat

Iranian protesters showed no letup as the country entered the 15th straight day of anti-government protests despite a mounting crackdown by security personnel and as the West, led by US President Donald Trump, intensified pressure on the hard-line rulers in Tehran.

Protests in Iran turn more violent with 65 reportedly killed by Friday and over 2,300 arrested as authorities imposed an internet blackout amid nationwide anti-regime unrest.

Iran protests turn more violent with 65 reportedly killed by Friday and over 2,300 arrested as authorities imposed an internet blackout amid nationwide anti-regime unrest.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Friday insisted that the Islamic republic would "not back down" in the face of protesters who he called "vandals" and "saboteurs", in a speech broadcast on state TV.