Internet monitoring group NetBlocks reported on Thursday, January 8, 2026, a nationwide internet blackout across Iran amid ongoing protests.
Earlier, Reza Pahlavi, son of the former Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, warned that authorities might shut down internet access as protests reach what he described as an “unprecedented” level. In a video message, he called for renewed mass demonstrations on Thursday evening.
Iranian security forces have used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse protesters in several cities. The demonstrations, now in their twelfth day, began over worsening economic conditions but have expanded to include political demands against the authorities, particularly Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
The protests started on December 28 with a strike by Tehran bazaar merchants, driven by the collapse of the currency and declining purchasing power under US and international sanctions. They are considered the largest protests since the 2022–2023 demonstrations following the death of Mahsa Amini in custody.
