Iran has entered a state of severe isolation following a nationwide internet and phone blackout, coinciding with ongoing protests that have now extended into their 13th consecutive day. This unprecedented communications shutdown was implemented by authorities as demonstrators across all 31 provinces filled the streets, voicing opposition to the clerical leadership while demanding both economic relief and political reform.
The unrest, which began in late December 2023, has escalated due to soaring inflation, a collapsing currency, and increasing hardship. Reports indicate that at least 44 to 45 people have been killed by security forces, with over 2,000 individuals detained as state security units intensify their crackdown on rallies and strikes. The blackout, confirmed by internet-monitoring organizations such as NetBlocks and Cloudflare, effectively severed Iranians from global online access late Thursday, shortly after crowds gathered in cities including Tehran, Mashhad, and Isfahan.
Efforts to make international calls have reportedly failed as authorities seek to limit coordination among protesters and hinder external reporting on the situation. In a rare public address, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused the protesters of attempting to “please US President Donald Trump,” asserting that some demonstrators aim to “ruin their own streets to make the president of another country happy.” He called for national unity and dismissed the protests as a foreign-backed attempt to destabilize the Islamic Republic.
In response, President Donald Trump has adopted a notably assertive stance, warning Tehran that further violent repression of demonstrators could provoke a strong response from the United States. He has framed this response as support for human rights and the protection of peaceful protesters. Trump has characterized the Iranian people as “brave” and criticized the government’s handling of the unrest. Despite this, he clarified that he would not meet with exiled opposition figure Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah, who has been advocating for nationwide demonstrations and international support. Trump described such a meeting as “not appropriate” at this time, indicating a cautious approach to overtly aligning the US with an alternative Iranian leadership.
This US response reflects broader geopolitical calculations, as the crisis in Tehran heightens attention on regional stability and human rights. Western diplomats have echoed calls for restraint and adherence to human rights norms, even as the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate. Despite the blackout and a heavy security presence, videos and witness accounts that emerged before the outage depicted large crowds chanting slogans like “Death to the dictator” and “Death to the Islamic Republic!” while engaging in acts of defiance such as blocking key streets.
Demonstrators have even expressed support for a return to monarchy, a provocative sentiment given Iran’s strict political order. The regime’s dual approach of offering limited dialogue on economic issues while deploying force against perceived “rioters” has failed to quell the unrest. Analysts suggest that the combination of deep economic frustration and political alienation is fueling ongoing defiance, despite authorities tightening control over movement and communication.
As Iran remains disconnected from reliable independent reporting and foreign media, verifying the full extent of casualties and arrests proves difficult. Nonetheless, the crisis has clearly evolved into a significant test of the Iranian leadership’s grip on power and raises complex questions regarding the extent to which external powers, particularly the United States, will respond.
