Iranian authorities appear to have cut off or severely restricted internet access across the capital, Tehran, and other parts of the country. The blackout comes as mass protests against the government continue to grow. The monitoring organisation NetBlocks confirmed the nationwide disruption, stating it follows a series of increasing digital censorship measures targeting the protests.

Multiple reports indicate massive crowds have gathered in Tehran, with the internet largely down. While some individuals with more dependable business accounts manage to stay connected, the disruptions are widespread. Social media activists also report outages in cities like Esfahan, Lodegan, Abdanan, and parts of Shiraz.

The protests have intensified following a call by exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi for Iranians to voice their opposition to the regime. The response to this call could be pivotal in determining whether these protests persist or fade away. So far, the unrest has claimed at least 39 lives, including security personnel, while over 2,260 individuals have been detained.

NetBlocks earlier noted disruptions in Kermanshah amid spreading protests. Iranian authorities frequently restrict internet access during significant protests, reflecting the regime's approach to controlling information and communication during unrest.

Although President Mahsoud Pezeshkian suggested easing internet restrictions during his campaign ahead of the 2024 election, tight controls remain, with popular social media platforms and foreign news sites blocked. Many young Iranians have learned to bypass these restrictions, but widespread throttling during critical times makes access challenging.

Key Takeaways

• Iran experienced an internet blackout amidst widespread anti-government protests.

• 12 days of unrest resulted in at least 39 deaths and over 2,260 detentions.

• Calls from exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi sparked the protests.

Related stories:

Iran Protests Escalate: At Least 29 Dead, Over 1,200 Arrested

US Clashes with Iran as Protests Intensify

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from CBS News 2026-01-09

 

 

I remember well the Iranian student demos in the Cité Universitaire in Paris in 1972-73. Later moving on to the overthrow of the Shah in 1979. I wonder what those oldies think now as Iran looks like it might have the then Shah's son as their leader again.

50 years of Islamist 'revolution' heading down the gurgler ...

When is musk going to make Starlink available to them?

Another country like Venezuela that could be so good for all it's citizens, but stupid governments are in control.

I hope they can get rid of this religious fascist regime.

Could we be looking at "The Iran Spring?" If so, you can bet there will be a lot of bloodshed first. Might even go the same way as Syria.

Maybe there will be more streets in Iran renamed to Trump who could now be on course trajectory to hero status with the Iranian people. I have no doubt Trump can make good things happen for the Iranian people.

https://x.com/nypost/status/2008979491821879304?s=20