Iran was plunged into a nationwide internet blackout late Thursday as anti-government protests continued to spread across the country, marking a significant escalation in weeks of unrest driven by economic hardship and political anger.
Authorities shut down internet access and telephone networks shortly after fresh demonstrations erupted in Tehran and several other major cities. Despite the communications clampdown, videos of crowds chanting anti-regime slogans and confronting security forces continued to surface online, indicating that the protests had entered their second week with little sign of slowing.
Cybersecurity analysts say such nationwide shutdowns are often imposed when authorities anticipate the use of force, limiting the flow of information and reducing international scrutiny. Similar tactics were deployed during previous periods of unrest.
Demonstrations have now been recorded in more than 100 cities, stretching from Ilam province near the Iraqi border to Tehran and the northeastern city of Mashhad. Security forces have responded with heavy-handed measures, following a pattern that rights groups say has failed to address the underlying causes of public discontent.
Human rights organisations report that at least 45 protesters, including eight children, have been killed since the protests began. Hundreds more have been injured, while over 2,000 people have reportedly been arrested. Iranian authorities have not confirmed the figures.
Some demonstrators appear to have answered calls by exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who has urged Iranians to sustain street protests and demand political change. Footage reviewed by international media captured chants such as “This is the last battle, Pahlavi will return” during rallies in several cities.
Verified videos showed crowds blocking major roads, setting fires and clashing with security forces. State media acknowledged what it described as “scattered” protests, reporting damage to public and private property and unspecified casualties.
The unrest has drawn international attention. US President Donald Trump warned that Washington would respond forcefully if Iranian security forces continue killing protesters, reiterating earlier threats during a radio interview.
What began as coordinated protests by shopkeepers and students in Tehran’s bazaars and universities has evolved into widespread street demonstrations. Tensions escalated after security forces were deployed to disperse crowds.
Millions of Iranians are grappling with soaring inflation, a rapidly depreciating currency and shortages of essential goods and medicines. Many residents say prices are rising daily, leaving households unable to cope.
Activists and journalists say the protests have moved beyond economic grievances, with demonstrators increasingly calling for an end to the Islamic Republic, arguing that meaningful reform is no longer possible.
The protests were initially triggered when traders in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar protested worsening economic policies. Anger deepened after the central bank scrapped a programme that provided select importers with access to cheaper foreign currency, causing sharp price hikes for basic goods and forcing many businesses to shut down.
Authorities attempted to calm tensions by announcing modest monthly cash payments, but officials admitted the move would not resolve the broader crisis.
Protest hotspots have emerged in provinces such as Ilam and Lorestan, where demonstrators have chanted slogans directly challenging Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In some areas, government buildings were set ablaze, national flags torn down and clashes with security forces intensified.
Human rights groups allege that live ammunition has been used in some locations and that mass arrests are ongoing. Iranian officials, meanwhile, say hundreds of police and paramilitary personnel have been injured, with state media reporting that several security officers have been killed.
Analysts describe the unrest as the most significant since the protests that followed the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody in 2022. The involvement of bazaar merchants—traditionally a key support base of the regime—is seen as a notable shift, signalling deeper and broader dissatisfaction with Iran’s leadership.