Internet Blackout in Iran: Protests continue for the twelfth day in Iran amid increased living expenses and economic agitation as national demonstrations escalate due to internet downtimes, violence and arrests.
Nationwide Internet Blackout Amid Escalating Unrest
On Thursday, independent Internet observatories registered a near-complete disconnection from the digital networks of Iran. Internet traffic data showed a sharp drop to almost zero across the whole country, indicating one of the biggest Internet blackouts over the past few years. This Internet blackout accompanied the launching of street protests in the Iranian capital Tehran and other provinces with locals being heard chanting from the rooftops and assembling in the streets after dark.
How Many People Have Been Killed & Arrested Amid Protests?
Human rights organizations have declared that there has been a high cost associated with the protests. A death toll of at least 45 people, including eight minors, has been recorded since the protest started in December. Hundreds of people have been injured and there are over 2,000 arrestees, as recorded by human right organizations. Markets and bazaars in many cities have closed their operations as a symbol of support for demonstrating citizens.
⚡️BREAKING
Reza Pahlavi’s call to take to the Streets Has been answered
About 3,000 people gathered in Tehran
And several hundred in other cities
For regime change, millions of people would have to take to the streets. Tehran alone has a population of 15 million
Security… pic.twitter.com/XAGvmWlSBw
— Iran Observer (@IranObserver0) January 8, 2026
How Officials in Iran & the Global Community Are Reacting
In Iran the government is having a mixed reaction to the events and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has appealed to the riot police to display restraint in dealing with the events and refrain from using excessive force.
The Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the Iranian judiciary have also been criticizing the events, alleging the demonstrators are coordinating their activities with the enemies of the Iranian government outside the country. The exiled crown prince of Iran, Reza Pahlavi, has called for mass street demonstrations and will also be marking several foreign events.
Unclear Leadership & the Future of Iran’s Unrest
Although the size of the rallies is considerable, the movement remains relatively decentralized. According to analysts, one of the reasons the movement did not make much of an impact in the past is the lack of a known national leader. Although the rallies received impetus from people such as Pahlavi, it is yet to be seen how much effect this would have on the rallies to ensure they take a political form. Currently, the situation is continuing to stretch the social structure and international relations of Iran.
