Iran Imposes Nationwide Internet Blackout Amid Intensifying Protests as Supreme Leader Blames U.S.
TEHRAN, Iran — As anti-government demonstrations entered their twelfth day, Iran experienced a sweeping internet blackout on Thursday evening, a move widely seen as an attempt by authorities to stifle communication and coordination among protesters. The nationwide shutdown followed calls for mass protests at 8 p.m. local time, with live data from NetBlocks confirming a sharp collapse in internet traffic across the country. The unrest has reportedly claimed at least 44 lives, with demonstrations spreading through Tehran and other major cities.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a stark warning to protesters and security forces alike, signaling a likely crackdown. In a televised address, Khamenei accused demonstrators of “ruining their own streets to make the president of another country happy,” directly referencing U.S. President Donald Trump. The Iranian leader dismissed Trump’s repeated threats of American intervention, labeling the U.S. president’s hands as “stained with the blood of Iranians.”
President Trump had earlier vowed on social media that the United States was “locked and loaded and ready to go” should Iranian security forces violently suppress peaceful protesters. During a Thursday interview with Hugh Hewitt, Trump reiterated that any killing of demonstrators by the regime would provoke a strong U.S. response. These statements were also posted on the U.S. Department of State’s Farsi-language social media feed, amplifying the message to Iranian citizens.
Despite the blackout, videos circulated briefly showing protesters chanting slogans against the regime, setting bonfires, and blocking streets in cities like Tehran and Kermanshah. Iranian state media quickly attributed the unrest to “terrorist agents” from the U.S. and Israel, a narrative aimed at delegitimizing the protests and framing them as foreign-instigated.
The protests have been fueled by widespread dissatisfaction with the Iranian government’s policies and economic conditions. The demonstrations gained renewed vigor following President Trump’s vocal support for the protesters, which activists say contrasts with the previous Obama-Biden administration’s approach. Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, son of the last Shah, also called for continued protests on social media platform X, expressing pride in those opposing the regime.
The internet blackout and the government’s hardline rhetoric come amid reports that hundreds of Iranian nationals are slated for deportation under a recent agreement between Iran and the United States, further complicating diplomatic relations. The situation remains fluid, with international observers closely monitoring the regime’s response and the potential for further violence.
Human rights organizations and governments worldwide have condemned the Iranian government’s suppression of free expression and assembly. The U.S. has reiterated its commitment to supporting the Iranian people’s right to peaceful protest, underscoring the delicate balance between diplomatic engagement and pressure.
For ongoing updates on internet freedom and global protests, the U.S. Department of State and NetBlocks provide real-time monitoring and analysis. The situation in Iran remains a critical flashpoint in Middle Eastern geopolitics, with implications for regional stability and international relations.
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