Internet blackouts have become a defining feature of a rapidly escalating crisis in Iran as the Islamic Republic moves to silence nationwide protests that have now claimed at least 44 lives. As demonstrations entered their second week, authorities cut internet and telephone access across the country, signaling a severe internal security response to growing unrest.
Live data from NetBlocks showed Iran’s internet traffic collapsing Thursday evening, shortly after activists called for mass protests at 8 p.m. local time. Ali Safavi of the National Council of Resistance of Iran said, “Around 1 p.m. local time, the internet traffic dropped,” adding there were widespread reports “that the regime had cut off the internet.” The Associated Press also reported telephone disruptions in several regions.
President Trump warned the Iranian regime earlier that day during an interview with Hugh Hewitt. He said if the government begins killing its citizens, “they will be hit very hard.” Addressing the Iranian people directly, President Trump said, “You should feel strongly about freedom. There’s nothing like freedom. You’re brave people.”
According to the NCRI, Iranian security forces have killed at least 44 protesters using live ammunition. Thirteen additional victims were identified Thursday, including a woman and two teenagers from Lordegan. Safavi said, “The internet was cut off in Lordegan, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari provinces as battles erupted.”
Protests have spread across major cities, including Tehran, Isfahan, and Mashhad. Safavi reported, “State radio and the TV station were set on fire by rebellious youth” in Isfahan. In Tehran, demonstrators overturned a police vehicle while chanting, “Death to the oppressor!”
Reza Pahlavi warned in a statement that the regime “has cut all lines of communication” as millions demand change. What began as protests over inflation has evolved into a direct challenge to the Islamic Republic, now met with lethal force and blackouts designed to keep the world from watching.
