Tehran / Dubai / Washington, January 9, 2026
Iran was plunged into a near-total internet blackout on Thursday as widespread protests over the country’s worsening economic crisis erupted across all 31 provinces, according to multiple monitoring groups and media reports. The blackout, which also affected phone networks, appeared to be an attempt by authorities to suppress information and curb the growing demonstrations that analysts describe as some of the most significant since the 2022 protests.
The national outage was first flagged by internet monitoring organization NetBlocks, which reported that connectivity fell sharply on multiple service providers on Thursday evening, effectively disconnecting large portions of the population from the global internet. Cloudflare Radar, a separate internet traffic tracker, showed a dramatic drop in mobile traffic and IPv6 connections, indicating a deliberate throttling and blackout rather than a technical glitch.
The unrest began in late December 2025 amid deepening economic dissatisfaction, including a sharply devalued currency, rising inflation, and soaring costs for basic goods such as food and medicine. According to local reports, inflation has driven the Iranian rial to historic lows against the U.S. dollar, straining household budgets and deepening public anger.
Demonstrations initially erupted in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar and quickly spread to other major cities including Mashhad, Isfahan, and Shiraz. Crowds have been reported chanting anti-government slogans, with many directing their anger at Iran’s exclusive clerical leadership and economic mismanagement.
Security forces have employed increasingly forceful tactics to quell unrest. Human rights groups estimate that dozens of protesters have been killed and hundreds more detained in the latest round of demonstrations, with some reports indicating casualties among both civilians and security personnel.
Government Response and Internet Shutdown
Iranian authorities have not publicly confirmed the nationwide internet shutdown, but such measures have precedent. During previous periods of mass unrest — notably in 2019 and 2022 — Tehran imposed partial or full internet restrictions to limit communication among protesters and control the flow of information.
State media outlets have largely remained offline or have provided minimal coverage since the blackout began, while residents attempting to access foreign news and social platforms have found them inaccessible without the use of virtual private networks (VPNs).
Analysts suggest the blackout aims to prevent real-time documentation and coordination of protests, though technological hurdles limit Iran’s ability to fully isolate the population. Some specialists note that despite the government’s efforts, fragmented reporting and videos continue to surface via limited communication channels.
Pressure on Leadership and Political Implications
The protests have drawn attention not only to economic grievances but also to broader political discontent. Unlike the 2022 “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement that coalesced around the death of Mahsa Amini, the current demonstrations appear more decentralized, lacking a central leadership figure yet reflecting widespread frustration among young Iranians and urban populations.
Exiled figures, including crown prince Reza Pahlavi, have issued calls for continued civil disobedience, though the extent of their influence on the ground remains unclear.
International reactions have included expressions of concern over the violence and restrictions. Former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly warned Iran against using lethal force against demonstrators and suggested potential consequences for further crackdowns, underscoring the geopolitical sensitivity of the crisis.
Economic and Social Toll
The wider context of the protests is rooted in Iran’s prolonged economic downturn, marked by external sanctions, domestic mismanagement, and structural inefficiencies that have contributed to rising poverty and inflation. The shutdown of internet services amplifies economic disruption, making trade, commerce, and everyday life increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens.
As the digital blackout enters its second day, the absence of reliable communication channels complicates independent verification of on-the-ground events. However, analysts warn that continued restrictions, combined with mounting public discontent, could further destabilize social cohesion and deepen mistrust toward the ruling establishment.
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