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"I am deeply disturbed by reports of violence during nationwide protests in Iran over the past 13 days, including reported deaths and destruction of property," UN Human Rights chief Volker Türk said in a statement on Friday.
"The right to peaceful protest, as enshrined in international law, must be protected. All deaths should be promptly, independently, and transparently investigated. Those responsible for any violations must be held to account in line with international norms and standards."
Türk said he is concerned by reports of nationwide internet and communications shutdowns.
"Such actions undermine freedom of expression and access to information, as well as impacting on the work of those documenting human rights violations, and access to essential and emergency services."
A disturbing video circulating on social media shows several people lying motionless on the ground following massive protests held on Thursday night in Fardis, 25 miles west of Tehran.
The footage was reviewed by the Iranian fact-checking platform Factnameh, which said the videos are authentic, newly recorded, and had not previously appeared online.
At least seven people can be seen in the footage lying on the ground. The condition of some of them appears critical, though there has been no official confirmation of casualties during the crackdown on protests on Thursday.
Factnameh also said at least one additional video from protests in the streets of Fardis shows demonstrators coming under live fire.
Iranian exiled Prince Reza Pahlavi on Friday issued an urgent appeal for US President Donald Trump’s support, warning that a total internet shutdown in Iran could pave the way for a deadly crackdown on protesters.
"Mr. President, this is an urgent and immediate call for your attention, support, and action," Prince Pahlavi said in a post on X on Friday.
"Last night you saw the millions of brave Iranians in the streets facing down live bullets. Today, they are facing not just bullets but a total communications blackout. No Internet. No landlines."
"Ali Khamenei, fearing the end of his criminal regime at the hands of the people and with the help of your powerful promise to support the protesters, has threatened the people on the streets with a brutal crack down. And he wants to use this blackout to murder these young heroes," the prince warned.
He said Trump's threat to intervene if the Islamic Republic kills protesters "has also kept the regime’s thugs at bay. But time is of the essence."
"The people will be on the streets again in an hour. I am asking you to help. You have proven and I know you are a man of peace and a man of your word. Please be prepared to intervene to help the people of Iran."
The Committee to Protect Journalists on Friday called on Iran to immediately restore full internet access.
"This latest sweeping digital blackout in Tehran and other cities mirrors repeated shutdowns during major protests... used to silence dissent and obstruct reporting," the CPJ said.
"Such tactics violate freedom of expression and the public’s right to know. The international community must hold Iran accountable and press it to uphold international human rights obligations."
Iranian education officials said on Friday that schools in some provinces would remain closed and move to online classes until next week, as protests intensified and authorities imposed sweeping internet restrictions.
Provincial education departments, including those in East Azarbaijan and Tehran, have announced that classes will be suspended in person and held virtually.
The decision comes as widespread internet and phone outages have disrupted daily life and communications across large parts of the country.
