Iran has been plunged into a severe internet and communications blackout following a nationwide call for protests by exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi. The disruption, reported on the night of Thursday, January 8, 2026, comes amid escalating demonstrations that have left at least 39 people dead and seen more than 2,260 individuals detained.
Nationwide Protests and Communications Shutdown
The protests, initially fueled by Iran's struggling economy, have transformed into a broader challenge against the country's theocratic leadership. The situation intensified after Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, whose father fled Iran before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, urged citizens to take to the streets in what he termed a "historic moment." He called for demonstrations at 8 p.m. local time on both Thursday and Friday.
In response, internet monitoring firm Cloudflare and advocacy group NetBlocks reported a sharp, government-led reduction in internet traffic. The action was described as a selective block on internet access designed to stifle communication among protesters. Further reports confirmed that telephone calls from Dubai to Iran, including both landlines and mobile networks, were also blocked.
Clashes and Casualties Mount
The protests have seen significant violence. On January 6, 2026, social media footage showed Iranian security forces firing tear gas to disperse crowds at the historic Tehran bazaar. Protesters were heard chanting slogans against the clerical authorities. The demonstrations have spread, with witnesses reporting people shouting from their homes and rallying in the streets of Tehran following Pahlavi's appeal.
These events followed similar protests on Wednesday, which led to markets and bazaars closing in solidarity. According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, the toll from the unrest has risen to at least 39 fatalities and the detention of over 2,260 people.
Pahlavi's Call and International Pressure
In a powerful statement, Reza Pahlavi directly addressed the Iranian public and the government. "Great nation of Iran, the eyes of the world are upon you. Take to the streets and, as a united front, shout your demands," he declared. He issued a stark warning to the Islamic Republic's leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the Revolutionary Guard, stating that the world and former US President Donald Trump were closely watching. "Suppression of the people will not go unanswered," he asserted.
The growing protest movement has significantly increased pressure on Iran's civilian government and its supreme leader. While authorities have not yet deployed overwhelming security forces en masse, the widespread disruption and international scrutiny present a major challenge. The exiled crown prince's declaration that "This is the last battle! Pahlavi will return!" has resonated with thousands who have joined the demonstrations, marking a pivotal moment in Iran's ongoing political turmoil.
