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, 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 been circulating for over a week.
Regime’s Strategy to Limit Information Spread
“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 Span Multiple Regions
From the Kurdish-majority region of Ilam, bordering Iraq, to the northeast near the Afghan border in Mashhad, over 100 cities have witnessed demonstrations since the unrest began 12 days ago. The protests have seen citizens rallying in support of and opposition to the Iranian government, with footage verified by CNN showing mass gatherings, road blockades, and fires in the streets of the capital.
Casualties and Protests in Support of Exile Leader
At least 45 protesters, including eight children, have been killed since the demonstrations started, according to the Norway-based Iran Human Rights NGO (IHRNGO). The group also reported hundreds of injuries and over 2,000 detentions. Some protesters appeared to be responding to a call by exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, with one slogan heard in the videos being “This is the last battle, Pahlavi will return.”
State Media Shares Protest Aftermath
Iran state media described “scattered” protests that erupted overnight in parts of Tehran and other cities, noting unspecified casualties and damage to public and private property. In a Telegram post on Friday morning, IRIB shared video footage of the protests’ aftermath in Tehran, depicting burning bikes and cars, as well as the burnt-out shell of a bus and a smashed subway entrance.
US 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.
