Anti-government protests continue in a number of Iranian cities despite a new nationwide internet blackout. International calls are also being blocked. The Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights estimates 45 people have been killed since the protests began on December 28 over Iran’s economic crisis, which has been worsened in part by U.S. sanctions. Earlier today, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said protesters are “ruining their own streets” to please U.S. President Donald Trump. On Thursday, Trump renewed his threat to attack Iran if security forces violently crush the protests. Trump said, “If they do it, we’re going to hit them very hard.”