Anti-government chants filled the streets of Iran's capital on Saturday night, as protesters pressed the biggest movement against the Islamic republic in more than three years despite a deadly crackdown under cover of an internet blackout.

Iran has blamed the United States for the demonstrations, which ignited in Tehran two weeks ago over economic hardship and have since fanned nationwide with calls for ousting the clerical authorities.

Rights groups have reported dozens of deaths and expressed alarm on Saturday that authorities were intensifying the crackdown.

Little information is filtering out after an internet shutdown, with monitor NetBlocks showing virtually no connectivity since Thursday.

US President Donald Trump said his country was "ready to help" the movement, after warning Iran was in "big trouble" over its efforts to suppress the protests.

"Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!" Trump posted on Truth Social Saturday.

According to the New York Times, Trump was recently briefed on options for possible military strikes.

US officials, speaking to the Times anonymously, said Trump has not........

© Al Monitor