The Iranian government imposed an almost total cut of internet and telephone services amid the expansion of protests against the deterioration of the economy, which have already spread throughout the country and left at least 34 to 45 people dead, according to human rights organizations and reports collected by the international press.
The digital blackout was recorded by NetBlocks, which pointed out an abrupt drop in national connectivity levels following a sequence of censorship measures aimed at containing the demonstrations. Academic institutions that monitor data traffic confirmed the widespread impact of the restriction.
The protests began around two weeks ago, following a further devaluation of the rial, and quickly gained scale. Data from the Human Rights Activists News Agency indicates acts in more than 300 locations in the country’s 31 provinces and more than 2,200 prisons. THE BBC confirmed deaths and the holding of large demonstrations in Tehran, Mashhad and other cities, with records of clashes and use of force by security agents.
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According to reports released by Al Jazeerathousands of people took to the streets of the capital on Thursday night (8), with roadblocks and occasional clashes with the police. The outlet also reported reports of raids on hospitals to detain injured protesters, citing warnings from international human rights organizations.
The escalation occurs in a context of deep economic crisis, marked by high inflation and the collapse of the local currency, pressured by sanctions linked to the nuclear program and the effects of recent military clashes. The government announced a monthly subsidy of around US$7 per family for food, a measure considered limited given the scale of the problem.
Iranian authorities adopted divergent speeches. President Masoud Pezeshkian called for “maximum restraint” and dialogue, while Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said protesters must be heard but “rioters must be put in their place.” The Judiciary promised zero tolerance to anyone considered responsible for “insecurity”.
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The worsening of the internal scenario gained international repercussion after statements by United States President Donald Trump, who stated that Washington could intervene if Iranian authorities killed protesters. The Iranian government reacted by classifying the rhetoric as an external threat and reinforcing the discourse of foreign interference.
With the blockade of communications, obtaining independent information within the country has become more difficult. Even so, videos verified by international vehicles indicate that the protests are still ongoing, increasing pressure on the regime in one of the moments of greatest internal instability in recent years.
