Iran is once again facing a severe crisis as worsening economic conditions have driven people onto the streets across the country. Internet monitoring group NetBlocks has confirmed that a complete nationwide internet blackout has been imposed in Iran since Thursday evening, a move widely seen as the government’s last attempt to curb the growing protests.

The blackout came as demonstrations intensified, with millions of people blocking roads and chanting slogans against the system in Tehran and other major cities. Qatari news agency correspondent Tauheed Asadi, reporting from Tehran, said that from 8:00 pm on Thursday night, the residents of several neighbourhoods in the capital poured onto the streets.

He said many roads passing through central areas were blocked, clashes erupted between police and protesters and harsh slogans were raised against the political leadership. Asadi added that mounting economic pressure has eroded public trust, particularly among workers and the lower middle class, who are now struggling to meet basic daily needs.

The protests, which began in late December, were initially sparked by the sharp devaluation of the Iranian rial and soaring prices of essential commodities. However, they have since moved beyond economic grievances and taken on the form of a broader political uprising. According to human rights organisations, at least 45 people, including children, have been killed since the protests began, while thousands have been arrested.

The demonstrations spread to all 31 provinces, including Tehran, Tabriz, Isfahan, Mashhad, and Kerman, with traders also observing strikes in several markets. Meanwhile, the Federal government issued mixed signals. President Masoud Pezeshkian directed security forces to exercise maximum restraint, but the reports from the ground suggest a far more tense and confrontational situation.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)