Iran protests intensify despite Internet blackout after exiled crown prince’s call
As Iran’s nationwide protests enter their third week, the situation on the ground is becoming more tense, more dangerous—and far harder for the outside world to fully see. Despite sweeping internet shutdowns and restricted phone access, reports confirm that demonstrations continue across the country, even as authorities escalate a harsh crackdown on dissent.
What’s happening in Iran right now?
In short: Protests that began over economic collapse have evolved into a direct challenge to Iran’s ruling theocracy, with dozens dead, thousands detained, and the government threatening the harshest penalties yet.
According to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 72 people have been killed and over 2,300 detained since demonstrations erupted on December 28. Iranian state media, meanwhile, emphasizes casualties among security forces and insists order is being restored—claims contradicted by verified videos showing large crowds still marching in major cities.
Internet blackout raises global concern
One of the most alarming developments is Iran’s near-total internet and international phone shutdown, making independent verification extremely difficult. While some state-run and semiofficial outlets remain online, most Iranians are effectively cut off from the outside world.
Human rights groups warn that such blackouts often precede violent crackdowns. History fuels these fears: during protests in 2019, hundreds were killed after similar communication shutdowns.
Government escalates threats
Iran’s leadership has made its stance unmistakably clear. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has signaled zero tolerance, while Iran’s attorney general issued a chilling warning: anyone participating in protests—or even assisting demonstrators—could be charged as an “enemy of God,” an offense that carries the death penalty.
State television aired repeated messages promising swift trials “without leniency, compassion, or indulgence,” underscoring the regime’s determination to crush the movement.
Conflicting narratives on state TV
Iranian state television has played dramatic orchestral music over footage of pro-government rallies, funerals for fallen security personnel, and alleged images of armed protesters. Anchors claim calm has returned to most cities.
Yet an Associated Press–verified video showed thousands chanting “Death to Khamenei!” in Tehran’s Saadat Abad district—directly contradicting official statements.
Security forces and casualties
Semiofficial media outlets aligned with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard report deadly attacks on security personnel, including members of the volunteer Basij force, police officers, and other officials. Authorities claim to have detained nearly 200 people accused of belonging to “terrorist teams,” allegedly seizing weapons such as firearms and gasoline bombs.
These reports, while serious, come from state-aligned sources and remain difficult to independently verify due to media restrictions.
Calls for more protests
Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has urged Iranians to continue demonstrating through the weekend, encouraging the use of pre-revolution national symbols to reclaim public spaces. While some protesters have voiced nostalgia for the pre-1979 era, it remains unclear whether this reflects support for Pahlavi himself or broader frustration with the current system.
Economic collapse at the heart of unrest
The spark behind the protests was economic pain. Iran’s currency has collapsed, with the rial trading at over 1.4 million to the U.S. dollar, driven by sanctions and long-standing economic mismanagement. What began as protests over living costs has rapidly transformed into a nationwide challenge to clerical rule.
International reaction and travel disruptions
U.S. President Donald Trump publicly voiced support for Iranian protesters, warning Tehran against further escalation. Several international airlines, including Austrian Airlines and Turkish Airlines, have suspended or canceled flights to Iran due to security concerns.
Why this moment matters
With Iran sealed off digitally and tensions rising, many fear the country is approaching a critical—and potentially bloody—turning point. As Ali Rahmani, son of imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi, warned, past crackdowns show what can happen when the world cannot see.
“They are fighting, and losing their lives, against a dictatorial regime.”
For now, Iran remains defiant, its streets restless, and its people determined—despite the risks—to be heard.
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