As anti-government protests in Iran escalated on Thursday night, internet access and phone lines were cut off in several cities, including Tehran, Mashhad, and Isfahan. Protesters took to the streets, chanting slogans against the ruling regime, including “death to the dictator” and “death to the Islamic Republic.”
Internet Blackout Amid Growing Unrest
Internet monitoring group NetBlocks and internet firm CloudFlare confirmed a nationwide internet blackout, which they attributed to interference by the Iranian government. Attempts to dial landlines and mobile phones from Dubai to Iran were unsuccessful, signaling a complete shutdown of communication channels in several areas.
Economic Crisis Behind the Protests
The protests, fueled by widespread economic hardship, mark the largest wave of dissent in Iran in three years. The unrest began last month in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, where shopkeepers condemned the rapid devaluation of the rial currency. Since then, the demonstrations have spread across the country, fueled by soaring inflation and widespread fears of food insecurity.
Political Figures Weigh In
Exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi, whose father fled Iran just before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, has called on Iranians to continue their protests. One chant heard on the streets even praised the prince: “This is the last battle. Pahlavi will return.” In a statement, Pahlavi urged the world to watch closely, warning the Iranian government that any further suppression of the people would not go unanswered.
Death Toll and Violence
So far, violence linked to the protests has claimed at least 39 lives, and more than 2,260 people have been injured, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. In addition, there have been reports of deadly confrontations between protesters and security forces, including a police colonel who was fatally stabbed in a town outside of Tehran.
Economic Struggles Deepen Protests
Iran’s economic struggles, exacerbated by US sanctions and the aftermath of the 12-day war with Israel, have contributed to the growing unrest. In December 2024, the rial currency collapsed to its lowest value ever, reaching 1.4 million to 1 US dollar. Inflation has surged to approximately 40%, further driving public dissatisfaction.
On Thursday, President Masoud Pezeshkian warned local suppliers against hoarding or overpricing goods, saying the public should not feel a shortage in terms of supply and distribution. However, the government has remained largely silent on the scale of the protests, and no acknowledgment has been made of any casualties among security officials.
International Reactions
US President Donald Trump has vowed to support the Iranian protesters, pledging that the United States would step in if security forces resorted to violence against the demonstrators. The global community continues to watch Iran’s political turmoil unfold as tensions rise between the Iranian people and their government.
Adapted from Skynews
