Iran Faces Nationwide Internet Blackout Amid Escalating Protests
Thursday evening saw Iran plunged into a nationwide internet blackout as mass anti-government protests spread across the country. Iranians took to the streets, chanting slogans against the ruling theocratic regime, fueled by growing frustration over economic instability and security crackdowns. Authorities swiftly cut internet access and telephone lines following the outbreak of demonstrations in Tehran and other major cities, though the blackout did not immediately halt the sharing of protest videos, which have continued into the second week of unrest.
Regime’s Strategy to Limit Information Flow
“National blackouts tend to be the regime’s go-to strategy when deadly force is about to get used against protesters,” said Alp Toker, director of cybersecurity watchdog NetBlocks, speaking to CNN. “The goal is to prevent the spread of news of what’s happening on the ground and also to limit international scrutiny.”
Protests have erupted in over 100 cities, stretching from the western Kurdish-majority region of Ilam, bordering Iraq, to the northeastern cities of Tehran and Mashhad, near the Afghan border. The demonstrations, which began 12 days ago, have seen widespread participation, with people rallying in support of and against the Iranian government. Despite the government’s efforts to suppress communication, footage of the protests continues to circulate, highlighting the scale of the unrest.
Authorities Revert to Crackdown Tactics
The authorities have resorted to their established strategy of enforcing strict control without addressing the root causes of public discontent. According to the Norway-based Iran Human Rights NGO (IHRNGO), at least 45 protesters, including eight children, have been killed since the demonstrations began. The report also noted hundreds of injuries and over 2,000 detentions, underscoring the severity of the situation.
Exiled Crown Prince Calls for Unity
Some protesters appeared to be responding to a call from exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who encouraged Iranians to “take to the streets and, as a united front, shout your demands” on X. His message, “Rise Iran!” resonated with participants, with one slogan heard in the videos being “This is the last battle, Pahlavi will return,” as analyzed by CNN.
Footage Reveals Widespread Damage
CNN verified footage showed mass protests in cities across Iran, with demonstrators blocking roads and setting fires in the streets of the capital. The videos captured opposing factions chanting in support of and against the government. Meanwhile, Iran state media reported “scattered” protests in Tehran and other cities overnight, noting unspecified casualties and damage to public and private property.
In a Telegram post on Friday morning, IRIB shared video it claimed depicted the aftermath of the protests in Tehran. The footage, lacking sound, displayed several bikes and cars ablaze on the streets, as well as what seems to be the burnt-out shell of a bus. A smashed subway entrance was also visible, illustrating the extent of the disruption.
Trump Threatens Military Action
“I have let them know that if they start killing people, which they tend to do during their riots … we’re going to hit them very hard,” US President Donald Trump told radio host Hugh Hewitt. This statement came as the unrest prompted Trump to reiterate his threat of military action against Iran, should security forces continue to suppress protesters.
