Iran Experiences Nationwide Internet Blackout Amid Escalating Anti-Government 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, driven by mounting frustration over economic instability and security crackdowns. Authorities swiftly cut off internet access and telephone lines following the start of protests 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.
“National blackouts are often the regime’s strategy when deadly force is about to be used against protesters,” said Alp Toker, director of cybersecurity watchdog NetBlocks, in an interview with CNN. “The aim is to prevent news of the events from spreading and to reduce international scrutiny.”
From the western Kurdish-majority region of Ilam, bordering Iraq, to the northeastern cities of Tehran and Mashhad, near the Afghan border, over 100 cities have witnessed demonstrations since the unrest began 12 days ago. Officials have relied on their established approach of enforcing strict security measures without addressing the underlying grievances fueling public dissent.
According to the Norway-based Iran Human Rights NGO (IHRNGO), at least 45 protesters, including eight children, have been killed since the protests began. The group also reported hundreds of injuries and over 2,000 detentions. Some protesters appeared to be responding to a call from exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who urged citizens to take to the streets on Thursday. One slogan heard in the videos was “This is the last battle, Pahlavi will return,” as verified by CNN.
Pahlavi posted encouraging messages on X, urging Iranians to “take to the streets and, as a united front, shout your demands.” He also called for “Rise Iran!” Footage reviewed by CNN showed widespread protests across Iran, with demonstrators blocking roads and setting fires in Tehran’s streets. The videos captured opposing groups rallying with chants both supporting and criticizing the government.
Iran state media reported “scattered” protests breaking out in parts of 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 footage it claimed depicted the aftermath of the protests in Tehran. The silent clip showed bikes and cars burning on the streets, as well as what appeared to be the charred remains of a bus and a smashed subway entrance.
The unrest prompted U.S. 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.
