Iran plunged into internet blackout as nationwide anti-government turmoil spreads
Iran was plunged into a nationwide internet blackout Thursday evening as mass anti-government protests spread around the country, with Iranians shouting slogans against the ruling theocratic regime as anger mounts over a flailing economy and security crackdowns.
Authorities cut internet access and telephone lines immediately after the protests in the capital Tehran and other major cities began Thursday night, with demonstrations now continuing well into their second week.
An internet watchdog organization described the move as a precursor to a possible violent crackdown, although the blackout did not immediately prevent the posting of videos of the protests.
From as far west as Ilam, a Kurdish-majority region bordering Iraq, to Tehran and Mashhad, in the northeast near the Afghan border, people in more than 100 cities have taken to the streets since protests first erupted 12 days ago. Authorities have reverted to their tested playbook of cracking down without offering viable solutions to grievances driving public anger.
At least 45 protesters, including eight children, have been killed since demonstrations began on December 28, 2025, the Norway-based Iran Human Rights NGO (IHRNGO) reported Thursday. It said hundreds more have been injured and over 2,000 people detained.
At least some of the protesters appeared to be heeding a call by exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi to turn out Thursday. One of the slogans shouted by the marchers was “This is the last battle, Pahlavi will return,” according to video reviewed by CNN.
As the latest protests unfolded, Pahlavi posted encouragement on X, urging Iranians to “take to the streets and, as a united front, shout your demands.” He added, “Rise Iran!”Footage verified by CNN showed mass protests in cities across Iran, with demonstrators blocking roads and setting fires in the streets of the capital. In the videos, opposing factions demonstrating across the country rallied around chants in support of and opposition to the Iranian government.
The unrest prompted US President Donald Trump on Thursday to repeat his threat to attack 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 told radio host Hugh Hewitt.
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