Iran shut down the internet as protests spread nationwide. Dozens were killed in a violent crackdown amid soaring inflation and a collapsing currency. Iran has shut down the internet nationwide as protests spread across multiple cities. Security forces responded with a violent crackdown that reportedly killed dozens. Demonstrations continued despite the blackout, with shops closing […] Iran shut down the internet as protests spread nationwide. Dozens were killed in a violent crackdown amid soaring inflation and a collapsing currency. Iran has shut down the internet nationwide as protests spread across multiple cities. Security forces responded with a violent crackdown that reportedly killed dozens. Demonstrations continued despite the blackout, with shops closing in Tehran’s main bazaar and other cities. The unrest is fueled by soaring inflation and the collapse of Iran’s currency against the U.S. dollar, increasing pressure on the government. Protests in Iran have shifted from economic to political, with chants against Supreme Leader Khamenei. After 12 days of unrest, authorities imposed a nationwide internet blackout to curb protests and information flow. Officials sent mixed signals: President Pezeshkian urged dialogue, while hard-liners warned of harsh punishment for dissent. “Confirmed: Live metrics show #Iran is now in the midst of a nationwide internet blackout; the incident follows a series of escalating digital censorship measures targeting protests across the country and hinders the public’s right to communicate at a critical moment” reported independent and non-partisan global internet monitor NetBlocks. “Update: #Iran has now been offline for 12 hours with national connectivity flatlining at ~1% of ordinary levels, after authorities imposed a nationwide internet blackout in an attempt to suppress sweeping protests while covering up reports of regime brutality” Confirmed: Live metrics show #Iran is now in the midst of a nationwide internet blackout; the incident follows a series of escalating digital censorship measures targeting protests across the country and hinders the public's right to communicate at a critical moment pic.twitter.com/vKpVUUmNJs— NetBlocks (@netblocks) January 8, 2026
Published: 2026-01-09T11:44:16