Iran Imposes Nationwide Internet Blackout Amid Deadly Anti-Government Protests
TEHRAN, Iran — Iran has plunged into a sweeping internet blackout as anti-government protests spread across major cities, marking the 12th consecutive day of unrest that has claimed at least 44 lives. The demonstrations, initially sparked by the collapse of the Iranian currency and soaring inflation, have evolved into a broader uprising demanding the overthrow of the regime, with protesters setting fire to government buildings in multiple provinces.
According to data from NetBlocks, internet traffic in Iran sharply declined on Thursday afternoon, coinciding with calls for mass protests at 8 p.m. local time. The blackout, which began around 1 p.m., severely restricted communication nationwide, with reports also indicating that telephone lines were cut in several regions. Ali Safavi, a member of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), confirmed that the internet shutdown coincided with violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces, particularly in Lordegan and the province of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari.
In Isfahan, Iran’s third-largest city with a population exceeding 2 million, state media outlets were targeted by protesters, with state radio and television stations set ablaze by rebellious youth. The NCRI reported that the Revolutionary Guard and other security forces responded with live ammunition, resulting in a mounting death toll. On Thursday alone, 13 additional fatalities were confirmed, including women and teenagers, bringing the total number of confirmed deaths to 44 since the protests began.
The unrest began in December following a dramatic collapse of the Iranian rial, which exacerbated inflation and economic hardship for many Iranians. What started as economic grievances quickly morphed into a nationwide movement against the ruling regime. Protesters have been seen torching government buildings and security installations across multiple provinces, signaling a deepening crisis for the Iranian government.
The United States has voiced strong condemnation of the Iranian regime’s crackdown on demonstrators. Former President Donald Trump reiterated his warning to Tehran in an interview with Hugh Hewitt, stating, “If they start killing people, they will be hit very hard.” The U.S. State Department’s Persian-language social media accounts have echoed these warnings, underscoring America’s support for the Iranian people’s right to freedom and peaceful protest.
The Iranian government’s decision to sever internet access is widely viewed as an attempt to stifle communication among protesters and limit the flow of information to the outside world. This tactic follows a pattern seen in previous uprisings where regimes seek to control narratives by restricting digital connectivity. The U.S. Department of State has condemned these measures, emphasizing the importance of open communication channels during times of civil unrest.
As the protests continue, international human rights organizations and governments are closely monitoring the situation. The Human Rights Watch has called for an immediate end to the use of lethal force against peaceful demonstrators and urged the Iranian authorities to restore internet access to allow independent reporting and communication.
With the internet blackout deepening and the death toll rising, Iran faces an unprecedented challenge to its domestic stability. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the regime can regain control or if the protests will further escalate into a sustained movement for change.
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