Nationwide Internet Shutdown Leaves Iranians Cut Off
A nationwide internet blackout struck Iran on Thursday, leaving millions of people disconnected from the outside world. The outage was reported by global internet monitoring group NetBlocks, which confirmed widespread disruptions across the country. The blackout came as fresh anti-government protests continued in several major cities.
Residents reported that mobile data services and broadband connections were largely inaccessible. Messaging apps and social media platforms stopped working for most users. Authorities did not issue an immediate explanation for the shutdown, adding to public frustration.
Internet blackouts have previously been used during periods of unrest in Iran. Rights groups say such measures aim to curb the flow of information and prevent protesters from organizing. The latest disruption has again raised concerns over freedom of expression and access to information.
Protesters Return to Streets Despite Restrictions
Despite the communications blackout, protests continued in key cities. Witnesses in Tehran, Mashhad, and Isfahan said demonstrators gathered in streets and public squares. Protesters chanted slogans against Iran’s clerical leadership and criticized economic conditions.
The demonstrations come amid rising prices, high inflation, and worsening living standards. Many Iranians say daily essentials have become unaffordable. Shopkeepers, workers, and students have all joined the protests in recent weeks.
Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last Shah who was overthrown in 1979, urged Iranians to keep protesting. In a video message shared online before the blackout, he called for sustained public pressure against the ruling system.
Unverified social media posts suggested that pro-Pahlavi slogans were heard in several cities and towns. However, due to the internet disruption, independent verification remained difficult. In contrast, Iranian state media claimed the situation across the country was calm and under control.
Economic Crisis Fuels Largest Unrest in Years
The current wave of protests is the largest Iran has seen in nearly three years. It began last month at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar. Traders and shopkeepers protested the sharp decline of the Iranian rial against foreign currencies.
Since then, unrest has spread nationwide. Citizens blame economic mismanagement, corruption, and Western sanctions for soaring inflation. Many also point to long-standing restrictions on political and social freedoms.
President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the economic concerns earlier on Thursday. According to state media, he warned suppliers against hoarding goods or raising prices unfairly. He instructed authorities to ensure smooth supply chains and strict price monitoring.
“People should not face shortages,” Pezeshkian said. He emphasized the need for stability in markets and fair distribution of essential items. However, critics argue that such warnings have failed to ease public anger.
Iran also remains under intense international pressure. U.S. President Donald Trump recently warned that Washington would support protesters if Iranian security forces used lethal force. His comments came months after Israeli and U.S. strikes targeted Iranian nuclear facilities.
Analysts say the combination of economic hardship, political discontent, and international tensions has created a volatile situation. The internet blackout has further deepened fears of a broader crackdown as protests show no signs of slowing.
