Iran experienced its most significant civil unrest in years on Thursday night as widespread protests erupted across multiple cities, defying a government-imposed internet blackout designed to suppress demonstrations. Videos verified by international news agencies show thousands of citizens flooding major boulevards in Tehran and regional centers, chanting anti-government slogans including “death to the dictator” in reference to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The protests, now entering their second week, originated from public anger over deteriorating economic conditions and rising living costs but have evolved into broader anti-establishment demonstrations. Footage from numerous cities shows protesters setting fire to government buildings, including the regional state television headquarters in Isfahan and the governor’s building in Shazand, Markazi province.
Internet monitoring organization Netblocks confirmed authorities implemented a near-total connectivity blackout late Thursday, reporting the country had been offline for over 12 hours in what appears to be a deliberate attempt to control information flow and suppress dissent. This digital censorship strategy mirrors previous government responses to civil unrest.
The scale of protests represents the most substantial challenge to Iranian leadership since the 2022-2023 demonstrations triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini. Notably, security forces appeared restrained in some footage from Tehran, though rights groups have previously accused authorities of using lethal force against protesters in earlier clashes.
Adding international dimension to the events, US-based Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s deposed shah, has openly supported the protests and called for continued demonstrations on Friday to further pressure the regime. The involvement of diaspora figures highlights the expanding nature of the anti-government movement.