Turkish Airlines on Friday, cancelled at least five fights to the Iranian capital Tehran, where protests against the rising cost of living entered the twelfth day, with a massive internet blackout detected across Iran.

Five other flights operated by Iranian airlines have also been cancelled, according to the Istanbul Airport app, while seven others remain scheduled.

Iran protests

Iranian protesters shouted and marched through the streets into Friday morning after a call by the country’s exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi for demonstrations, despite Iran’s warning of cutting off the nation from the internet and international telephone calls.

Chants calling for the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, rang out on the streets of Tehran, reported AP, as protesters called for Pahlavi’s return.

42 killed, internet blackout – What happened so far

— The protests which began in Tehran, on 28 December, Sunday, over the collapse of Iran’s national currency – quickly turned into anti-establishment demonstrations.

— To date, at least 42 people have been killed in the violence surrounding the protests – while more than 2,270 others have been detained, according to the US based Human Rights Activists News Agency.

— Multiple videos circulating on social media showed protesters chanting against Iran’s government around bonfires as debris littered the streets in the capital, Tehran, and other areas.

One unverified video showed a woman protester – who was spotted with blood on her mouth saying: “I am not afraid. I am not afraid. At forty-seven, I have already died.”

The unrest comes as Iran grapples with a deepening economic crisis caused by years of sanctions and the fallout from the war in June with Israel.

‘Make president of another country happy’

Khamenei, during his address on Friday – referred to US President Donald Trump – alleging that protesters are ‘ruining their own streets to make the president of another country happy,’ reported AP.

The crowd cheered: “Death to America!”

Earlier in the day, Iran state media claimed that the protests were sparked by “terrorist agents” of the US and Israel – which triggered fire and violence. It also said there were “casualties,” reported AFP, citing the state media.