Protests in Iran near the 2-week mark as authorities intensify crackdown on demonstrators

Protests in Iran have reached nearly two weeks, with the government acknowledging ongoing demonstrations despite an intensifying crackdown. The internet is down, and phone lines have been cut off, making it hard to gauge the situation from abroad. According to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 65 people have been killed, and over 2,300 detained. Iranian state TV reports on security force casualties while portraying control over the nation. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei signals a clampdown, despite U.S. warnings. Demonstrations began over the collapse of the Iranian rial and have grown into direct challenges to Iran's theocracy.