The address came as Iranians continued to pour into the streets overnight defying government efforts to isolate the country by cutting off internet access and international phone services. Protesters reportedly marched through neighbourhoods in Tehran and other cities into early Friday morning, responding to calls for demonstrations issued by exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi.

According to the AP reports, after days of limited coverage, Iranian state media acknowledged the protests on Friday, alleging that “terrorist agents” backed by the United States and Israel had incited violence and arson. Officials confirmed there were “casualties” but provided no specific figures or details.

Human rights groups painted a far grimmer picture. According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 42 people have been killed since the unrest began, while more than 2,270 protesters have been detained.

The demonstrations began on December 28 over Iran’s worsening economic conditions, including rising prices, unemployment and frustration over corruption. Since then, they have rapidly evolved into the most serious challenge to Iran’s ruling establishment in several years, with slogans increasingly targeting the country’s political and religious leadership.-Agencies