Charlie Hebdo targeted the Iranian leadership in its latest caricature, captioned “Iran: sortez vos poubelles. Vos dirigeants en sont remplis” (“Iran: take out your trash. Your leaders are full of it”).

Axar.az reports that the caricature is emblematic of the magazine’s stance on the current unrest in Iran. What began as protests against rising living costs has rapidly transformed into mass political demonstrations, with crowds chanting “Death to the dictator” and clashing with security forces in cities including Tehran and Mashhad. In an apparent attempt to suppress dissent, authorities have imposed a nationwide internet shutdown.

Mass demonstrations have been reported in at least 25 of Iran’s 31 provinces, including large rallies in Tehran and Mashhad. Protesters have also attacked symbols of the regime, including state television buildings.

In response, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed not to back down, while the internet blackout has raised fears of large-scale repression. Human rights groups report that at least 45 protesters have been killed, dozens injured, and around 2,000 arrested so far, although some opposition and conservative estimates suggest the death toll could be significantly higher.

The protests are unfolding amid international developments, particularly the U.S. arrest of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro, which has fueled debate among Iranians about the possibility of foreign intervention.

Some demonstrators have chanted slogans in support of Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the last shah. However, analysts stress that this support is largely symbolic and does not indicate widespread backing for a return to monarchy.

Experts caution that even the removal of the supreme leader would not automatically lead to the collapse of the Islamic Republic, which is sustained by powerful institutions such as the Revolutionary Guards. Nevertheless, many observers believe the ongoing protests signal a deepening—and potentially decisive—crisis for Iran’s ruling system.