Iran Faces Nationwide Internet Blackout After Exiled Prince Calls for Protests
Iran experienced a near-total internet and telephone shutdown late Thursday as thousands took to the streets in Tehran and other cities following a call for mass protests by exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi, son of the country’s last Shah, according to the Associated Press.
The demonstrations, now in their 12th day, reflect widespread anger over soaring prices, unemployment, and living costs. Residents chanted from rooftops and rallied in streets, with slogans including “Death to the dictator!” and “Death to the Islamic Republic!”
Internet monitoring group NetBlocks confirmed that connectivity across multiple service providers collapsed, leaving large areas effectively offline. Aviation authorities issued NOTAMs, and flights at Tabriz International Airport were suspended amid heightened security.
Pahlavi Calls Out Khamenei Regime
Pahlavi blamed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s regime for the communications blackout. “Millions of Iranians demanded their freedom tonight. In response, the regime cut all lines of communication,” he tweeted, urging international leaders to support the protesters. He thanked US President Donald Trump for reiterating his promise to hold Iran accountable.
Protests and Casualties
Markets in several cities shut down in solidarity with protesters. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported at least 39 deaths and over 2,260 arrests so far. Despite widespread participation, the protests remain largely leaderless, leaving uncertainty over whether Pahlavi’s call will influence momentum.
Trump Issues Warning
President Trump warned Tehran that any escalation of violence against demonstrators would provoke a strong US response. “If they start killing people… we are going to hit them very hard,” he said, while declining to meet Pahlavi.
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