India, Jan. 9 -- Amid the intensified unrest in Iran, triggered by economic slump last month, name of Reza Pahlavi - Iran's exiled crown prince - has emerged as a reason for the overnight escalation of protests that prompted a nationwide internet shutdown.

Protests in major Iranian cities such as Tehran and Mashhad intensified on Thursday night as massive crowds poured out on streets following Reza's call. The protesters chanted slogans and marched through the streets into Friday morning as well, Associated Press reported. Track updates on Iran unrest here

As the stir escalated, protesters on Thursday poured out on streets and chanted slogans against Iran's clerical leadership. Demonstrators were seen repeating slogans against the cleri...