Archive · 10 Jan 2026
Iran Faces Internet Blackout Amid Escalating Protests
The internet in Iran is having big problems right now.
The government is slowing it down or blocking parts of it, especially on mobile phones, because there are big protests happening.
People are upset about the country's struggling economy and are demanding change.
The protests have been going on for nearly two weeks, and the government is trying to stop them by shutting down the internet and arresting people.
Some people are asking a company called Starlink to help by giving them internet access.
The protests started because of the country's economic problems but have grown into a bigger challenge to the country's leaders.
Many people have been hurt or arrested during these protests.
The government says the protests are illegal and is using force to stop them, while protesters and their supporters argue that the government's actions are unjustified.
A nationwide internet blackout was reported in Iran, with internet access and telephone lines disrupted amid protests.
Protests escalated nationwide, sparked by Iran's struggling economy and growing into a broader challenge to the country's theocratic leadership.
At least 42 people have been killed and more than 2,270 detained during the protests, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.
Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi called for mass demonstrations, urging the public to take to the streets and shout their demands.
The Iranian government has responded to the protests with internet blackouts, arrests, and the use of force to maintain order.
- Who
- Protesters, Iranian government, exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi
- What
- Nationwide internet blackout and escalating protests
- When
- Ongoing for nearly two weeks, with significant events on January 8
- Where
- Iran, particularly in Tehran and other cities
- Why
- Government measures to control communications amid social unrest and protests driven by economic distress and political repression
Protesters and Exiled Crown Prince
Iranian Government
Legitimacy of Protests
Protesters and Exiled Crown Prince
Protesters and exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi argue that the protests are a legitimate expression of public frustration with the government's economic policies and political repression.
Iranian Government
The Iranian government views the protests as illegal and destabilizing, and has responded with internet blackouts and arrests to suppress them.
Use of Force
Protesters and Exiled Crown Prince
Protesters and their supporters argue that the government's use of force against demonstrators is excessive and unjustified.
Iranian Government
The government maintains that it is necessary to use force to maintain order and protect the Islamic Republic.
- Protest Death Toll
- At least 42 people killed
- Number of Detainees
- More than 2,270
- Protest Call by
- Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi
- Internet Disruption Cause
- Government throttling amid protests
- Protest Duration
- 12 days and counting
- Protest Locations
- All 31 provinces of Iran
- Government Response
- Internet shutdown, arrests, and use of force
- Economic Issues
- Soaring inflation, collapsing currency, rising costs of food and essentials
Sources
Internet Across Iran Cut Off, Social Media Posts Suggest Citing Cloudfare Radar
Iran faces internet blackout as demonstrators respond to exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi’s protest call
'Nationwide Internet Blackout' In Iran Amid Protests: Report
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Iran hit by nationwide internet blackout as protesters respond to Reza Pahlavi’s call
'Been Dead For 47 Years': Woman’s Bloody Protest Video Captures Anger On Iran’s Streets
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Who Is Iran's Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, and Why Is He Back in Action Now?
Iran’s rulers face legitimacy crisis amid spreading unrest
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Iranian State Media Blames US and Israeli 'Terrorist Agents' for Violence During Protests
Iran must show restraint against protesters, French diplomatic source says
Iran’s Supreme Leader to give speech about protests shortly, state TV says
Iran is cut off from internet as protests calling for regime change intensify
Iran Protests: Ayatollah Khamenei Tells Trump He Ought To Focus On Problems In His Own Country
Iran cut off from world as Supreme Leader warns protesters
"Tyrants Always Collapse": Ayatollah Khamenei's Warning To Trump Amid Iran Protests
'Please be prepared to intervene to help the people of Iran': Reza Pahlavi urges support from Donald Trump as protestors throng streets
Iran shuts internet as protests escalate and violence spreads
Airlines in UAE, Qatar, and Turkey cancel flights to Iran as protests intensify