Tehran: Internet and phone services were shut down across Iran late Thursday as large crowds poured onto the streets in Tehran and several other cities following a call for mass protests by exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi, according to the Associated Press.
Residents in Tehran were seen chanting from rooftops and joining street demonstrations as unrest intensified nationwide. The protests, now in their 12th day, reflect mounting public anger over rising prices, unemployment and the cost of living.
Internet backout in Iran
Internet connectivity and telephone lines were cut shortly after demonstrations began. Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) were also issued in several regions, while flights at Tabriz International Airport were suspended.
Reacting to the shutdown, Pahlavi accused Khamenei’s regime of silencing citizens by cutting off communication. In a post on X, he thanked US President Donald Trump for reiterating his commitment to holding Tehran accountable and urged European leaders to take a stronger stand in support of Iranians demanding freedom.
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.
I want to thank the leader of the free world, President…
— Reza Pahlavi (@PahlaviReza) January 8, 2026
“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,” Pahlavi said, warning that authorities could also attempt to disrupt satellite signals.
Internet monitoring group NetBlocks reported a sharp collapse in connectivity across multiple service providers, confirming what it described as a nationwide internet blackout. The group said the move followed escalating digital censorship measures aimed at curbing protests and restricting public communication at a critical moment.
Demonstrations continued on Thursday in cities and rural towns that had seen unrest a day earlier. Markets shut in solidarity with protesters, while clashes have so far left at least 39 people dead and more than 2,260 detained, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.
Despite the scale of the unrest, the protests remain largely leaderless, raising questions over whether Pahlavi’s appeal will significantly alter their direction or momentum.
Pahlavi had urged Iranians to protest at 8 pm on Thursday and Friday. As the hour struck, chants such as “Death to the dictator” and “Death to the Islamic Republic” echoed across Tehran, while some demonstrators called for the return of the monarchy.
Meanwhile, President Trump issued a stern warning to Iran’s leadership, saying the US would take severe action if Iran escalated violence against protesters, though he declined to meet Pahlavi.