Iran is experiencing a significant internet blackout, now lasting over 36 hours, as protests against the government continue. The unrest began on December 28, 2023, fueled by public frustration over rising inflation and discontent with the ruling conservative regime. These protests have intensified over the past ten days, prompting a call for action from Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last monarch, who has urged a nationwide strike.
In a video message posted on social media platform X, Pahlavi called for a two-day strike starting Saturday, which marks the beginning of the working week in Iran. He specifically asked workers in key sectors, including transportation, oil and gas, and energy, to participate. Pahlavi’s message coincides with the government’s efforts to suppress dissent through internet restrictions, limiting citizens’ ability to communicate and organize.
“I also ask all of you… to come into the streets with flags, images, and national symbols and to reclaim public spaces as your own,” Pahlavi stated in his address. He emphasized the importance of demonstrating in city centers, claiming that Friday’s protests had delivered a significant message to Iran’s leadership.
While Pahlavi’s influence within Iran remains uncertain, he represents a historical legacy, being the eldest son of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who ruled for 40 years before being overthrown in the 1979 Islamic Revolution. At that time, Pahlavi was only 16 years old, and his family’s rule has since become a symbol of the old regime for many Iranians.
As protests escalate, the internet blackout imposed by authorities has severely restricted access to information. According to the internet monitoring organization NetBlocks, the blackout began on Thursday following large demonstrations in the capital, Tehran. By 11:30 PM ET on Saturday, they confirmed that the blackout had entered its second day, significantly impacting the ability of Iranians to check on the safety of friends and family.
“It’s now 8:00 AM in #Iran where the sun is rising after another night of protests met with repression; metrics show the nationwide internet blackout remains in place at 36 hours,” NetBlocks reported on its Telegram channel.
The protests are rooted in widespread dissatisfaction with the government, driven by economic hardships and the heavy-handed tactics of security forces. As the situation develops, the international community is closely monitoring the events in Iran, with many expressing concern over the government’s response to the unrest.
In summary, Iran faces a critical moment as protests persist and communication networks remain restricted. The actions prompted by Reza Pahlavi may galvanize further unrest, adding pressure to a government already struggling with public discontent.
