A near-complete internet shutdown has gripped Iran as nationwide demonstrations enter their thirteenth day, with citizens cut off from the outside world amid growing anger over economic hardship.
State television announced Tuesday that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei will soon speak publicly, describing the unrest as “terrorist actions” while the streets remain tense.
Nationwide Digital Silence
Internet monitoring data shows traffic across the country has fallen to almost zero since Thursday. Analysts view the blackout as a deliberate tactic to disrupt protest coordination and limit visibility of the crackdown.
The restrictions began just as exiled opposition figure Reza Pahlavi called for coordinated rooftop and street chanting at 8:00 PM local time on Thursday and Friday. Despite the cutoff, reports indicate defiant slogans still echoed through many neighborhoods.
From Bazaar Anger to Nationwide Movement
The protests started with shopkeepers in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar reacting to the rial’s collapse, but have since grown into a broad, multi-generational expression of frustration. Unlike the 2022 women-led wave, this uprising features many young men voicing deeper disillusionment with the system.
Common chants include:
- “Not Gaza, not Lebanon — my life for Iran”
- Slogans targeting inflation and resource mismanagement
Heavy Crackdown and Rising Toll
Security forces have responded aggressively. Human rights monitors report at least 38 protesters and 4 security personnel killed, with more than 2,200 arrests recorded.
Authorities have acknowledged some economic complaints as valid while using tear gas and arrests to break up gatherings.
International Attention
U.S. President Donald Trump warned of “severe action” if lethal force continues against peaceful demonstrators, adding external pressure to the volatile situation.
As Iranians await Khamenei’s address, the key question is whether it will bring concessions or a harder line against what the regime calls foreign-backed unrest.
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