Nationwide Internet Shutdown Hits Iran Amid Anti-government Protests

Iran has been plunged into a nationwide internet shutdown as protests continued to spread across the country over a deepening economic crisis, according to online monitoring group NetBlocks.

NetBlocks said the blackout, reported on Thursday, appeared to be part of escalating digital restrictions aimed at curbing protest activities, making it difficult for citizens to communicate at a critical time.

Demonstrations have been ongoing in several Iranian cities since late December, fuelled by public anger over rising living costs and the sharp devaluation of the national currency.

Local media reports indicated that at least 21 people, including security personnel, have been killed since the protests began.

However, Iranian authorities have sent mixed signals in response. While President Masoud Pezeshkian urged security agencies to exercise restraint, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei adopted a tougher tone, insisting that those behind the unrest must be “put in their place.”

Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei also warned that there would be no tolerance for protesters he accused of undermining national security.

“If anyone comes into the streets for riots or to create insecurity, or supports them, then no excuse remains for them,” Mohseni-Ejei said, alleging that the demonstrators were acting in line with the enemies of the Islamic Republic.

Meanwhile, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has called on Iranian authorities to prevent further loss of life and respect citizens’ rights to peaceful protest and freedom of expression.