A nationwide protest movement in Iran has been forcibly suppressed through severe security measures and a prolonged nationwide internet blackout, according to international monitoring groups. The demonstrations, which began in late December as economic grievances, rapidly evolved into the most significant challenge to Iran’s theocratic system in years, demanding the removal of the clerical establishment that has governed since the 1979 revolution.
Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) has verified 3,428 protester fatalities at the hands of security forces, with director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam characterizing the government’s actions as “one of the gravest crimes of our time.” The organization has collected horrifying eyewitness accounts describing security forces shooting fleeing protesters, employing military-grade weapons, and conducting street executions of wounded individuals. The US-based Institute for the Study of War confirmed that the regime’s brutal response has likely suppressed the movement temporarily, though noting that such extensive security mobilization is unsustainable long-term.
The Iranian government implemented a complete internet blackout lasting over 180 hours—exceeding the duration of similar measures during 2019 protests—effectively isolating the country from global communication networks. Activists assert this digital shutdown aimed to conceal the true scale of the violent crackdown.
Internationally, tensions have somewhat de-escalated following diplomatic efforts by Gulf allies. A senior Saudi official revealed that Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman persuaded U.S. President Donald Trump to provide Iranian leadership with an opportunity to demonstrate good intentions, temporarily reducing immediate military threats. However, the White House maintained that “all options remain on the table” regarding potential action against Iran.
The United Nations Security Council addressed the situation, with Iranian-American journalist Masih Alinejad stating that “all Iranians are united” against the clerical system. Iran’s representative countered by accusing Washington of exploiting peaceful protests for geopolitical purposes. Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury implemented new sanctions targeting Iranian officials, including Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme Council for National Security.