Iran Plunges Into Internet Blackout After Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi’s Anti-Khamenei Protest Call Sparks Nationwide Unrest
Internet and telephone services collapsed across Iran late Thursday following mass demonstrations in Tehran and multiple cities, triggered by exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi’s appeal for widespread protests against Ayatollah Khamenei’s regime, according to the Associated Press.
Tehran residents chanted from rooftops and gathered in streets as unrest intensified, entering its 12th consecutive day amid mounting frustration over inflation, unemployment, and living costs that have spilled from public spaces into private homes. Connectivity was severed shortly after protests erupted, with NOTAMs issued across several regions and Tabriz International Airport suspending all flight operations.
12th day of anti-establishment protests in Iran
— Ghoncheh Habibiazad | غنچه (@GhonchehAzad) January 8, 2026
The crowd of protesters in Tehran got bigger. Same location as the one quoted here@GeoConfirmed https://t.co/zwOV0BvI4Q pic.twitter.com/oa5c6HNao6
In a tweet, Reza Pahlavi the son of Iran’s late Shah condemned the regime for imposing a total communications blackout and thanked US President Donald Trump for reaffirming his commitment to hold Tehran accountable.
“Millions of Iranians demanded their freedom tonight. In response, the regime in Iran has cut all lines of communication. It has shut down the Internet. It has cut landlines. It may even attempt to jam satellite signals,” Pahlavi stated.
“I want to thank the leader of the free world, President Trump, for reiterating his promise to hold the regime to account. It is time for others, including European leaders, to follow his lead, break their silence, and act more decisively in support of the people of Iran,” he added.
Internet monitoring organization NetBlocks reported live metrics showing nationwide connectivity plummeting across multiple providers, rendering vast regions effectively offline during this pivotal moment. “Live metrics show Iran is now in the midst of a nationwide internet blackout,” NetBlocks stated. “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.”
Thursday’s demonstrations continued momentum from Wednesday’s protests that swept cities and rural areas nationwide. Additional markets shuttered in solidarity with demonstrators. Violence surrounding the unrest has claimed at least 39 lives, with over 2,260 individuals detained, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. The protests remain largely decentralized, raising questions about whether Pahlavi’s intervention will alter their trajectory.
Pahlavi’s Direct Call to Action
Pahlavi had specifically urged demonstrations at 8 pm local time on Thursday and Friday. As scheduled, neighborhoods throughout Tehran exploded with chants, witnesses reported. Slogans included “Death to the dictator!” and “Death to the Islamic Republic!” Others invoked the Shah era, shouting: “This is the last battle! Pahlavi will return!” Thousands filled the streets.
“Great nation of Iran, the eyes of the world are upon you. Take to the streets and, as a united front, shout your demands,” Pahlavi declared. “I warn the Islamic Republic, its leader and the (Revolutionary Guard) that the world and (President Donald Trump) are closely watching you. Suppression of the people will not go unanswered.”
Iranian authorities appeared prepared for the coordinated action. The hardline Kayhan newspaper published a video asserting security forces would utilize drones to identify participants. Officials have downplayed the unrest’s magnitude, which spread across numerous cities even before the 8 pm mobilization. State-affiliated media acknowledged injuries and deaths among security personnel.
US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iran’s leadership Thursday, stating America would respond forcefully if authorities resort to killing protesters. “I have let them know that if they start killing people, which they tend to do during their riots they have lots of riots if they do it, we are going to hit them very hard,” Trump declared. He declined to meet with Reza Pahlavi.
(With inputs from agencies)