Videos posted on social media show large crowds of protesters marching through Tehran and other Iranian cities in what is described as the largest show of force by the opponents of the clerical establishment in years.
Rallies in Tehran and Iran's second city, Mashhad, can be seen in footage verified by BBC Persian, showcasing peaceful demonstrations that have yet to be dispersed by security forces.
On Wednesday, however, there were violent clashes reported in several cities.
The crowds in Mashhad openly called for the overthrow of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and demanded the return of Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the late former shah, who has encouraged his supporters to demonstrate.
This marks the 12th consecutive day of unrest in Iran, with protests reportedly spreading to 140 cities and towns across all 31 provinces, as indicated by the US-based Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA).
Reports indicate that at least 34 protesters and seven security personnel have died during the ongoing unrest, with approximately 2,270 arrests made.
Additionally, the Norway-based Iran Human Rights organization has documented at least 45 protesters killed, including eight children, at the hands of security forces. BBC Persian has confirmed the deaths of 21 individuals, while official Iranian sources acknowledge five security fatalities.
The protests instigated on 28 December following shopkeepers in Tehran expressing their frustration over a drastic decline in the Iranian rial's value against the US dollar.
The rial has hit a record low and inflation rates have soared to over 40% due to sanctions related to Iran's nuclear program, which has crippled an economy already marred by mismanagement and corruption.
In a notable escalation, university students have joined the protests, which are now characterized by frequent slogans denouncing the clerical regime.
