Iran suffered a nationwide internet blackout amid escalating economic protests, with monitoring groups reporting near-zero connectivity as authorities intensified digital censorship during a critical phase of unrest.
Internet connectivity and telephone lines went dark across Iran late Thursday after thousands of people in Tehran and other cities took to the streets following a call for mass protests by exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s late Shah, according to the Associated Press.
Residents in Tehran shouted from homes and rallied on the streets as demonstrations spread, marking a new escalation in nationwide unrest as demonstrations entered their 12th day and anger over prices, jobs and living costs spilled into streets and homes.
12th day of anti-establishment protests in Iran
The crowd of protesters in Tehran got bigger. Same location as the one quoted here@GeoConfirmed https://t.co/zwOV0BvI4Q pic.twitter.com/oa5c6HNao6
— Ghoncheh Habibiazad | غنچه (@GhonchehAzad) January 8, 2026
Internet access and phone services were cut shortly after the protests began. NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) were issued in several regions, and flights were suspended at Tabriz International Airport.
In a tweet, Pahlavi slammed the Khamenei regime for snapping Internet services across Iran and thanked US President Donald Trump for reiterating his promise to hold Tehran to account.
“Millions of Iranians demanded their freedom tonight. In response, the regime in Iran has cut all lines of communication. It has shut down the Internet. It has cut landlines. It may even attempt to jam satellite signals,” he said.
“I want to thank the leader of the free world, President Trump, for reiterating his promise to hold the regime to account. It is time for others, including European leaders, to follow his lead, break their silence, and act more decisively in support of the people of Iran,” he added.
Internet monitoring group NetBlocks said live data showed connectivity collapsing across multiple service providers, leaving large parts of the country effectively offline at a critical moment.
“Live metrics show Iran is now in the midst of a nationwide internet blackout,” NetBlocks said. “The incident follows a series of escalating digital censorship measures targeting protests across the country and hinders the public’s right to communicate at a critical moment.”
Thursday saw a continuation of the demonstrations that popped up in cities and rural towns across Iran on Wednesday. More markets shut down in support of the protesters. So far, violence around the demonstrations has killed at least 39 people while more than 2,260 others have been detained, said the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.
Meanwhile, the protests remain largely leaderless, leaving questions about whether Pahlavi’s call will change their direction or momentum.
PAHLAVI URGES IRANIANS TO TAKE TO STREETS
Pahlavi had called for demonstrations at 8 pm (local time) on Thursday and Friday. When the clock struck, neighbourhoods across Tehran erupted in chanting, witnesses said. The chants included “Death to the dictator!” and “Death to the Islamic Republic!” Others praised the shah, shouting: “This is the last battle! Pahlavi will return!” Thousands could be seen on the streets.
“Great nation of Iran, the eyes of the world are upon you. Take to the streets and, as a united front, shout your demands,” Pahlavi said in a statement. “I warn the Islamic Republic, its leader and the (Revolutionary Guard) that the world and (President Donald Trump) are closely watching you. Suppression of the people will not go unanswered.”
Iranian authorities appeared to be bracing for the planned protests. The hard-line Kayhan newspaper posted a video online claiming security forces would deploy drones to identify participants.
