Iran has entered a state of near-total isolation after authorities implemented a nationwide internet and phone blackout. This drastic measure coincides with intensifying protests that have now continued for 13 consecutive days. Demonstrators across all 31 provinces are expressing their discontent with the clerical leadership, demanding both economic relief and political reform.
The unrest initially sparked in late December 2023 due to soaring inflation, a rapidly depreciating currency, and rising living costs. Rights groups report that at least 44 to 45 people have been killed by security forces during the crackdown, and over 2,000 individuals have been detained as authorities seek to suppress the rallies and strikes.
The communications shutdown, confirmed by internet monitoring organizations such as NetBlocks and Cloudflare, effectively severed the Iranian populace from global online access late Thursday. This occurred just hours after large crowds gathered in cities including Tehran, Mashhad, and Isfahan, chanting slogans against the government. Attempts to make international calls were reportedly unsuccessful as authorities aimed to limit coordination among protesters and hinder external reporting of the ongoing unrest.
In a rare public address, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused the protesters of attempting to “please US President Donald Trump.” He claimed that some demonstrators aimed to “ruin their own streets to make the president of another country happy.” Khamenei urged national unity and dismissed the protests as a foreign-backed effort to destabilize the Islamic Republic. State media echoed this sentiment, attributing the violence to “terrorist agents” from the US and Israel while reporting casualties without independent corroboration.
In Washington, President Donald Trump has adopted a more assertive stance, warning Tehran that further violent repression of demonstrators could provoke a strong response from the United States. This approach is framed as support for human rights and the protection of peaceful protesters. Trump has consistently referred to the Iranian people as “brave” and criticized the government’s handling of the situation.
Despite his strong rhetoric, Trump clarified that he would not meet with exiled opposition figure Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah, who has been advocating for widespread demonstrations and international support. Trump indicated that such a meeting “would not be appropriate” at this time, reflecting caution in overtly siding with an alternative Iranian leadership.
The US response appears to be part of a broader geopolitical strategy, as the crisis in Tehran has raised concerns about regional stability and human rights, even as Washington seeks to avoid direct involvement. European and Western diplomats have also urged restraint and adherence to human rights norms, even as the situation deteriorates.
Despite the digital blackout and heightened security presence, videos and witness accounts prior to the outage revealed large crowds chanting slogans such as “Death to the dictator” and “Death to the Islamic Republic!” Some protesters even expressed support for a return to monarchy, a contentious and risky expression within Iran’s strict political framework.
The Iranian regime’s dual strategy of offering limited dialogue regarding economic woes while simultaneously employing force against perceived “rioters” has not quelled the unrest. Analysts suggest that the growing economic frustration and political alienation continue to fuel defiance, even as authorities tighten control over movement and communication.
As Iran remains disconnected from reliable independent reporting and foreign media, the full extent of casualties and arrests is challenging to ascertain. Nevertheless, the current crisis has crystallized into a significant test of the Iranian leadership’s grip on power, raising complex questions about the extent to which external powers, particularly the United States, will respond to the situation.
