Iran Experiences 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, shouting slogans against the ruling theocratic regime, with growing frustration over economic instability and security crackdowns. Authorities swiftly cut internet access and telephone lines following the outbreak of protests in Tehran and other major cities. Despite the blackout, videos of the demonstrations continued to circulate online, as the unrest now enters its second week.
“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, in a statement 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 Span Over 100 Cities
From the Kurdish-majority region of Ilam, bordering Iraq, to the northeastern cities of Tehran and Mashhad near the Afghan border, more than 100 cities have witnessed demonstrations since the protests began 12 days ago. The unrest has seen people rallying in support of and opposition to the government, with some participants appearing to heed calls from exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi.
According to the Norway-based Iran Human Rights NGO (IHRNGO), at least 45 protesters, including eight children, have been killed since the demonstrations started. The organization also reported hundreds of injuries and over 2,000 detentions. One slogan shouted by marchers in videos reviewed by CNN was “This is the last battle, Pahlavi will return.”
Reza Pahlavi’s Call to Action
Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi urged Iranians to take to the streets in a message posted on X, emphasizing the need for unity and demanding the government address public grievances. “Take to the streets and, as a united front, shout your demands,” he wrote. “Rise Iran!”
Footage Reveals Widespread Damage
CNN-verified footage displayed mass protests in cities across Iran, with demonstrators blocking roads and setting fires in Tehran’s streets. The videos captured opposing factions chanting in support of or against the regime. Meanwhile, Iran state media described “scattered” protests breaking out overnight in Tehran and other cities, noting unspecified casualties and damage to public and private property.
In a Telegram post on Friday morning, the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) shared video footage of the protests’ aftermath. The unaccompanied clips showed bikes and cars ablaze on the streets, as well as what appears to be the burnt-out shell of a bus. A subway entrance was also depicted smashed in the footage.
Trump Threatens Military Action
The unrest prompted US President Donald Trump to reiterate his threat of attacking Iran if security forces kill protesters. “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,” Trump stated during an interview with radio host Hugh Hewitt.
