News (EN)

Iran imposes total internet blackout amid massive protests and threat of intervention from Trump

Protestos Irã
Photo: Protestos Irã - Reprodução

The government of Irã activated a complete cut of internet access throughout the national territory this Thursday (8), in the context of the 12th consecutive day of popular demonstrations. The protests, sparked by economic grievances, have expanded to more than 100 cities in all of the country’s 31 provinces. Relatos indicate clashes between protesters and security forces, with fatalities recorded.

The demonstrations began on December 28, 2025, on Grande Bazar of Teerã, where traders closed stores in response to the accelerated devaluation of the rial and high inflation. Desde then, the acts took on a political character in several locations, with participants chanting slogans against regime authorities. The president of the Estados Unidos, Donald Trump, declared that American forces would respond with force if the Iranian government advances lethality against civilians.

The disruption in connectivity was confirmed by independent monitoring, showing a drop of more than 90% in online traffic from 8pm local time. Essa measure affected mobile and fixed networks across multiple providers, isolating the population from external communications.

Origin of the economic crisis

The devaluation of the rial has reached record levels in recent months, worsened by reimposed international sanctions over Iran’s nuclear program. Comerciantes and ordinary citizens face difficulties in acquiring basic goods, which led to the closure of bazaars in cities such as Tabriz, Isfahan and Mashhad. Esses traditional establishments function as historic shopping centers and symbols of local economic activity.

Accumulated inflation puts pressure on families across the country, with rising food and fuel prices. Greves in traditional markets have extended to other sectors, including transport and services. Manifestantes express dissatisfaction with the management of the economy, which is facing a forecast of recession for the current year.

Protesto irã
Iran Protest – Reprodução

Expansion of demonstrations

The protests reached at least 111 cities, including provincial capitals and rural areas. Em Mashhad, the hometown of supreme leader Ali Khamenei, thousands occupied central streets. Teerã registrou atos em bairros variados, com participação de motoristas que apoiaram por meio de buzinaços contínuos.

Universities in 36 higher institutions saw student mobilizations, with open slogans against the current political system. In regions such as Lorestan and Ilam, clashes resulted in injuries and arrests. Vídeos verified shows crowds on main avenues, with participation from different age groups.

  • Main cities with registrations of acts: Teerã, Mashhad, Isfahan, Tabriz, Shiraz, Kerman and
  • Other affected locations: Borazjan, Dorud, Hamedan and Malekshahi.
  • Sectoral participation: Comerciantes, students, drivers and informal workers.

Repression measures adopted

Security forces intensified operations to disperse crowds, using tear gas and live ammunition in some episodes. Organizações human rights reports report at least 45 deaths since the beginning of the acts, including eight minors. Wednesday (7) had 13 victims, making it one of the most violent days.

More than two thousand arrests occurred in different provinces, with reports of injuries being treated in local hospitals. Em Ilam, agents entered the medical unit to detain participants, a practice criticized for violating international standards. The government distinguishes between peaceful protesters and groups considered violent.

President’s position

President Masoud Pezeshkian instructed security forces to adopt maximum restraint in the face of acts. Ele defended dialogue with the population and attention to the demands presented. Declarações officials emphasize responsible approach to avoid escalation of tensions.

Authorities acknowledged economic difficulties and promised listening channels. Apesar Additionally, containment operations continued in several regions. Pezeshkian differentiated legitimate protests from actions that threaten public order.

Donald Trump Declarations

American President Donald Trump reiterated a warning to the Iranian regime in a recent interview. Ele stated that the Estados Unidos would respond with force if security forces move forward in the lethal suppression of civilians. The statement occurred during a conversation with a conservative presenter, highlighting monitoring of the situation.

Trump cited the country’s history of unrest and positioned a potential response as defending peaceful protesters. Autoridades Iranian women reacted by condemning the statements as external interference. The American position coincides with recent operations in other regions.

Balance of victims and arrests

Independent organizations monitor the numbers of people affected by daily clashes. Pelo less than 45 civilians lost their lives, with hundreds of injuries reported in hospitals. Prisões exceeds two thousand, including cases of minors involved in the acts.

  • Confirmed deaths: 45 protesters, according to Norwegian monitoring.
  • Injured: Centenas, with treatments in overloaded units.
  • Arrests: Mais of 2 thousand in police operations.

January 7 saw the highest number of deaths, with 13 cases reported. Crianças and teenagers are among the victims, increasing international concerns. Autoridades did not disclose the complete official balance sheet.

Context of digital restrictions

The internet cut followed a pattern adopted in previous crises, aiming to limit coordination of acts. Tráfego is down drastically across all major carriers, affecting everyday communications. Medida coincides with public calls for mobilizations at a specific time.

The population resorted to limited alternative methods to maintain external contact. Interrupção covered mobile and fixed networks, isolating the country digitally. Global Monitoramento detected abrupt decline from local dusk.

Participation in different sectors

Merchants maintained store closures in around 50 cities, paralyzing commercial activities. Estudantes university students organized events on campuses, expanding the generational base of the protests. Motoristas contributed with sound support on main roads.

Workers from informal sectors joined the streets, expressing daily difficulties. Greves affected traditional bazaars, centuries-old economic symbols. Participação female registered in several locations, continuing the pattern of previous mobilizations.

Outlook for the coming days

Calls for new acts circulate despite the imposed digital restrictions. Observadores point to potential for growth in planned mobilizations. Forças security personnel maintain a reinforced presence at strategic points.

Dialogue proposed by authorities contrasts with ongoing operations. Economic Situação remains central to the claims presented. Acompanhamento international remains attentive to daily developments.