Internet Blackout Hits Iran After Exiled Prince Calls for Anti-Khamenei Protests.
Internet connectivity and telephone services were cut across large parts of Iran late Thursday after thousands of people took to 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 rallying in neighbourhoods as demonstrations entered their 12th day, fuelled by anger over rising prices, unemployment and the cost of living. The protests marked a fresh escalation in nationwide unrest.
Shortly after demonstrations began, internet access and phone lines went dark. Aviation authorities also issued multiple NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen), and flights were suspended at Tabriz International Airport, indicating heightened security measures.
Pahlavi Blames Regime for Internet Shutdown
Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah, accused Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s regime of deliberately cutting communications to suppress dissent. In a post on social media, he thanked US President Donald Trump for voicing support for accountability in Iran.
“Millions of Iranians demanded their freedom tonight. In response, the regime has cut all lines of communication — the internet, landlines, and possibly even satellite signals,” Pahlavi said.
“I thank President Trump for reiterating his promise to hold the regime to account. It is time for others, including European leaders, to act decisively in support of the Iranian people.”
NetBlocks Confirms Nationwide Outage
Internet monitoring group NetBlocks said real-time data showed connectivity collapsing across multiple service providers, leaving much of the country effectively offline.
“Live metrics show Iran is now in the midst of a nationwide internet blackout,” NetBlocks said, adding that the move followed “escalating digital censorship measures” aimed at suppressing protests at a critical moment.
Protests Spread, Casualties Rise
Demonstrations continued across cities and rural towns on Thursday, with more markets shutting down in solidarity with protesters. According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 39 people have been killed so far, while more than 2,260 others have been detained.
Despite the scale of the unrest, the protests remain largely leaderless, raising questions about whether Pahlavi’s involvement will alter their momentum or direction.
“Take to the Streets,” Pahlavi Urges
Pahlavi had urged Iranians to demonstrate at 8 pm local time on Thursday and Friday. As the clock struck, chanting erupted across Tehran, with slogans such as “Death to the dictator” and “Death to the Islamic Republic.” Some demonstrators also shouted, “This is the last battle! Pahlavi will return!”
“The eyes of the world are upon you,” Pahlavi said in a statement. “Take to the streets and shout your demands as a united front. Suppression of the people will not go unanswered.”
Iranian authorities appeared to brace for unrest. Hardline daily Kayhan published footage claiming security forces would deploy drones to identify protesters. State-linked media reported injuries among security personnel but did not acknowledge the scale of the demonstrations.
Trump Warns Tehran
US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Iran’s leadership, saying Washington would respond strongly if authorities escalated violence against protesters.
“If they start killing people — which they tend to do during riots — we are going to hit them very hard,” Trump said, though he declined to meet Pahlavi.
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