Tehran/IBNS, Jan. 10 -- Iran's exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi has urged protesters to escalate their demonstrations by taking control of city centres, as nationwide unrest and an internet blackout entered their third week.

In a video message shared on social media, Pahlavi said the movement must go beyond street protests.

Pahlavi, the US-based son of Iran's last monarch, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, praised the "magnificent" turnout at recent protests and hinted that he may soon return to Iran.

"The moment is very near," he said, fuelling speculation among supporters.

Demonstrations erupted in late December over rising inflation and the sharp fall of the Iranian rial, but have since evolved into a broader uprising against the clerical est...