Tehran | January 9, 2026
Iran experienced a nationwide internet blackout on Thursday as anti-government protests expanded across major cities, marking a sharp escalation in unrest driven by economic hardship and anger over security crackdowns.
Authorities shut down internet access and mobile phone services shortly after demonstrations erupted in Tehran and several provincial capitals. Despite the blackout, videos showing crowds chanting against the government continued to circulate online, suggesting that some content was uploaded before restrictions took full effect.
The protests, now in their second week, reflect growing public frustration over rising inflation, unemployment, and restrictions on freedom of expression. Demonstrators—many of them young people—were seen chanting slogans critical of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, an unusually direct challenge to Iran’s leadership.
According to the Iran Human Rights NGO, at least 45 protesters have been killed since the unrest began. The group also reported that hundreds have been injured and more than 2,000 people detained during clashes with security forces. These figures could not be independently verified due to the communications shutdown.
Witnesses and rights groups have accused security forces, including Iran’s Basij militia, of using live ammunition and excessive force to disperse crowds. Iranian authorities have not publicly released updated casualty figures or acknowledged the use of lethal force.
The nationwide blackout appeared aimed at limiting coordination among protesters and preventing images of the demonstrations from reaching international audiences. Iran has previously used internet restrictions during periods of unrest, drawing criticism from human rights organizations.
International concern has grown as the situation escalates. The United Nations and the European Union issued statements urging restraint, calling on Iranian authorities to respect the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
As protests continue despite communication restrictions, analysts say the unrest highlights deep-rooted dissatisfaction with Iran’s economic management and governance, raising uncertainty over how the crisis will unfold in the coming days.
