Iran Protests and the Internet Blackout: What Happened

Protests began in Iran on December 28, 2025. People marched in many cities after a sudden fall in the national currency, the rial, and big price rises. Many protesters said they wanted change and relief from the cost of living.

Cities such as Tehran, Mashhad and Yasuj saw large demonstrations. The government cut internet and mobile access on the evening of January 8, 2026. Violence then increased and the death toll rose, with some counts above 500. Thousands of people were detained. Reports also say that children were among those killed. The United Nations urged restraint and called for communications to be restored.