Nationwide protests against Iran’s government entered their third week on Sunday, with demonstrators again taking to the streets in Tehran and Mashhad despite an ongoing internet blackout and a growing death toll.

At least 116 people have been killed and around 2,600 detained since the unrest began, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.

With internet and international phone services largely cut, verifying developments inside Iran has become increasingly difficult.

The protests, which began over the collapse of Iran’s currency, have evolved into a direct challenge to the leadership.

Videos shared online, likely via satellite connections, showed scattered nighttime demonstrations in northern Tehran, with protesters waving phone lights, banging metal and honking car horns.

In Mashhad, Iran’s second-largest city and home to a sacred shrine, footage appeared to show clashes with security forces and burning barricades.

Iranian authorities have signalled a hardline response. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf warned that the US and Israel would be “legitimate targets” if Washington carried out any strike on Iran, as lawmakers chanted “Death to America” during a live broadcast from parliament.

Iran’s attorney-general has also warned that protesters could be charged as “enemies of God,” an offence punishable by death.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned Tehran against using force on demonstrators and said the United States was “ready to help.”

US media reported that Trump has been presented with military options but has not made a final decision.

Iranian state television sought to downplay the unrest by airing footage of calm streets and pro-government rallies in some cities, while excluding Tehran and Mashhad from its coverage.

Exiled former crown prince Reza Pahlavi has called for further demonstrations, urging Iranians to reclaim public spaces using pre-revolutionary national symbols.

More protests were expected later on Sunday.