Around the world in 45 seconds

🇮🇷 The Iranian protests have become the country’s largest demonstrations in years. Demonstrations over the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini at the hands of Iran’s ‘morality police’ have spread to at least 46 Iranian cities, towns, and villages, per the AP. At least 41 protesters and police have been killed – and 1,200+ demonstrators arrested – over the past week, the publication said. Though Iran’s government has restricted phone and Internet usage across the country, making the true numbers difficult to verify.

🇺🇦 Referendums have begun across Russian-occupied Ukraine. The regions of Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson – some of which are only partially occupied by Russian troops – began controversial referendums on Friday that could lead to Moscow annexing ~15% of Ukraine. The four elections, which are widely seen as a sham and considered illegal under Ukrainian and international law, will conclude tomorrow. (Background)

🇦🇬🇰🇳 Caribbean islands are thinking about dropping the British monarchy. Antigua and Barbuda recently scheduled a nationwide referendum over whether to ditch the Crown following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, while the leader of St. Kitts and Nevis told Axios on Friday that he plans to follow suit. The two island nations are among the seven Caribbean island countries and 14 total overseas territories where King Charles III currently reigns as head of state; the list also includes Canada, The Bahamas, Australia, Jamaica, and New Zealand.