Iran Cut Off as Authorities Impose Communications Blackout
Iran was largely severed from the outside world on Friday after authorities imposed sweeping restrictions on internet access and phone communications in an effort to contain rapidly spreading protests. International phone calls failed to connect, domestic news websites updated only sporadically, and multiple commercial flights in and out of the country were cancelled.
The blackout marked one of the most severe information clampdowns in recent years, highlighting the government’s concern over the scale and momentum of the unrest. Aviation data showed several flights between Iran and neighboring Gulf states were grounded, further isolating the country during a critical period.
Supreme Leader Accuses Protesters of Acting on Behalf of the U.S.
In a nationally televised address, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei sharply criticized demonstrators, accusing them of serving the interests of U.S. President Donald Trump. He claimed that those involved in violent acts were damaging public property and behaving as “mercenaries for foreign powers.”
Khamenei specifically referenced incidents in Tehran where government buildings were vandalized, stating that such actions were intended to please Washington rather than address domestic grievances. He warned that Iran would not tolerate what he described as foreign-backed destabilization.
Economic Anger Fuels the Largest Protests in Years
The protests initially erupted late last month over Iran’s worsening economic conditions. Inflation has surged above 40%, while the national currency, the rial, lost roughly half its value against the U.S. dollar over the past year. What began as economic demonstrations has since evolved into broader political dissent.
Unrest has now been reported across all provinces, making it the most widespread wave of protests in nearly three years. Human rights organizations have documented dozens of deaths, although official figures have not been confirmed.
Chants have increasingly targeted Iran’s leadership directly, including slogans such as “Death to the dictator,” signaling a shift from economic frustration to political opposition.
Images of Violence and Accusations Against Opposition Groups
State television aired footage overnight showing burning vehicles, damaged metro stations, and fires at banks in several cities. One reporter described parts of Rasht, a port city near the Caspian Sea, as resembling a “war zone,” with widespread destruction of shops and infrastructure.
Authorities accused the People’s Mujahedin Organisation (MKO), a long-standing opposition group, of orchestrating the unrest. The MKO, which broke with Iran’s leadership after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, remains a deeply polarizing force inside and outside the country.
Meanwhile, exiled opposition figures called for continued demonstrations. Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s former shah, urged Iranians to take to the streets, claiming global attention was focused on their struggle.
Trump Distances Himself From Exiled Opposition Leaders
Despite earlier warnings that Washington could support Iranian protesters, President Trump played down direct involvement. He stated that he had no plans to meet with Reza Pahlavi and questioned whether backing exiled monarchist figures would be appropriate.
Trump’s comments came amid heightened tensions between the two countries, following U.S. military action against Iran last summer and the reimposition of international sanctions over Tehran’s nuclear program.
European officials also weighed in. A French diplomatic source urged Iranian authorities to exercise maximum restraint, as concerns grow over civilian casualties and regional stability.
A Critical Test for Iran’s Leadership
While the current protests have not yet reached the scale of the nationwide demonstrations in late 2022 following the death of Mahsa Amini, they represent the most serious internal challenge to Iran’s leadership since then.
The government has attempted a dual strategy—acknowledging economic grievances while cracking down on what it labels violent unrest. However, with economic pressures mounting and international scrutiny intensifying, analysts say the situation poses a significant test for the Islamic Republic’s ability to maintain control.
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