Iran Protests Rock Tehran as Internet Blackout Fuels Fears of Deadly Crackdown
Fresh protests swept across Iran late Thursday, with residents of Tehran reporting widespread chanting and street demonstrations shortly before authorities imposed a nationwide internet shutdown, raising concerns of a renewed and violent crackdown on dissent.
Witnesses said neighborhoods across the capital erupted around 8 p.m., with protesters shouting slogans such as “Death to the dictator” and “Death to the Islamic Republic.” Some demonstrators also voiced support for Iran’s former monarchy, chanting: “This is the last battle! Pahlavi will return!” Thousands were reportedly on the streets before communications with the outside world were abruptly cut.
Activists and observers said the blackout appeared aimed at preventing images and reports of the protests from reaching the global community. “This is exactly why the internet was shut down: to stop the world from seeing what’s happening,” one analyst said, warning that the disruption could also provide cover for security forces to act violently against protesters.
On Friday, exiled opposition figure Reza Pahlavi appealed to former U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene, accusing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei of using the communications blackout to target demonstrators. In a statement, Pahlavi urged Trump to “be prepared to intervene to help the people of Iran,” describing the protesters as “young heroes.”
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Pahlavi’s appeal.
Pahlavi said further steps would depend on international reaction to the protests. His past expressions of support for Israel have drawn criticism, particularly following the 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran in June. While some protesters have invoked the name of the former shah, it remains unclear whether this reflects direct backing for Pahlavi or broader nostalgia for the pre-1979 era.
The internet shutdown also appeared to disrupt Iran’s state-run and semi-official news agencies. State television acknowledged the demonstrations on Friday morning, marking the first official confirmation. Authorities described the protests as violent, claiming that vehicles, public transport facilities, and government infrastructure were set ablaze.
State TV later reported that overnight unrest killed six people in Hamedan, southwest of Tehran, and two members of the security forces in Qom, south of the capital. No nationwide casualty figures were provided.
The European Union and Germany condemned violence against demonstrators as new protests were reported in Zahedan, in the restive Sistan and Baluchestan province.
Iran has experienced repeated waves of nationwide protests in recent years, driven by political repression and economic hardship. Following tightened sanctions and economic strain after the June conflict, Iran’s currency sharply depreciated, with the rial reportedly plunging to 1.4 million to the dollar in December. Protests erupted soon after, with demonstrators openly challenging the country’s theocratic leadership.
Former President Trump has warned Tehran against killing peaceful protesters, saying the United States would respond if violence escalated. In recent media interviews, he reiterated his stance, saying Iranian leaders had been “told very strongly” they would face consequences for any deadly crackdown.
Trump declined to say whether he would meet with Pahlavi, suggesting it was too early and that events inside Iran should be allowed to unfold. He also hinted that Supreme Leader Khamenei could be under growing pressure, saying the situation in Iran was “getting very bad.”
