Internet blackout isolates Iran amid widening protests

TEHRAN – 9 January 2026: Iran was plunged into near isolation on Friday after authorities shut down internet access nationwide, a move aimed at containing escalating anti-government protests, Reuters reported.

Protests that began over soaring food prices and high inflation have evolved into open anti-government demonstrations.

Video footage circulating online showed buildings set on fire amid ongoing unrest with protests continue spreading across dozens of locations nationwide.

Human rights organizations say dozens of protesters have been killed over nearly two weeks of demonstrations.

Iranian state television aired scenes of clashes and fires, while the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that several police officers were killed overnight.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that the state "will not back down in the face of vandals" and accused demonstrators of trying to please “the president of another country,” in clear reference to US President Donald Trump.

President Masoud Pezeshkian last week called on authorities to respond with restraint, urging a “kind and responsible approach,” as the government announced limited financial measures to ease mounting economic pressures driven by soaring inflation.

The unrest has drawn international attention, with Trump, who ordered strikes on Iran last summer, warning last week that Washington could step in to support the protesters.