Tehran, Iran – As of January 13, 2026, Iran remains largely disconnected from the global internet, with national connectivity levels hovering at approximately 1% of normal for more than 108 hours. London-based internet monitoring organization NetBlocks reported this ongoing nationwide blackout, which began on January 8, 2026, amid intensifying anti-government protests triggered by the sharp depreciation of the Iranian rial and worsening economic conditions.
NetBlocks, a respected cybersecurity watchdog specializing in tracking internet disruptions, has issued multiple updates via its official website and social media platform X, confirming the shutdown's severity. The group described the incident as a "nationwide internet blackout" that has isolated Iranians from the world and each other, while also limiting independent reporting and accountability during a period of heightened civilian unrest. Connectivity data shows fixed-line internet, mobile data, and even some telecommunication services severely restricted or disabled since the evening of January 8, following earlier localized outages in cities like Kermanshah.
This digital blackout follows a pattern observed in previous Iranian protests, where authorities have imposed restrictions to curb the spread of information and coordination among demonstrators. Monitoring groups, including the Georgia Institute of Technology’s Internet Outage Detection and Analysis database, have corroborated the near-total drop in connection levels. NetBlocks emphasized that the shutdown hinders the public's right to communicate and access information at a critical moment, violating fundamental digital rights.
The unrest originated on December 28, 2025, when merchants and shopkeepers in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar — a historic commercial hub — staged strikes and protests over the rial's rapid plunge to record lows against the US dollar. The currency depreciated dramatically, reaching levels around 1.42 million rials per dollar in late December, with further slides reported in early January. This collapse compounded already high inflation, with food prices surging and essential goods becoming unaffordable for many households.
Initial demonstrations focused on economic grievances, including soaring prices, recession, and government mismanagement. Protests quickly spread from Tehran to other major cities and provinces, evolving into broader calls for political change. Reports indicate strikes and closures affected markets in areas such as Isfahan, Shiraz, Mashhad, and beyond, with university students and other groups joining in solidarity.
The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), a US-based rights group monitoring the situation through networks of activists inside and outside Iran, has documented significant casualties. As of mid-January 2026, HRANA verified the deaths of at least 490 protesters and 48 security personnel, bringing the total confirmed fatalities to over 500 in some reports, with figures continuing to rise. The group also reported more than 10,600 arrests since the protests began. These numbers, while not officially confirmed by Iranian authorities, align with patterns from previous uprisings and are considered credible by international observers.
No official casualty figures have been released by the Iranian government, which has instead attributed some violence to "rioters" and external influences. President Masoud Pezeshkian has acknowledged public economic frustrations, pledging to address them while warning against exploitation by disruptive elements. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and security officials have vowed a firm response to maintain order.
The protests represent the most significant challenge to the Islamic Republic since the 2022–2023 Woman, Life, Freedom movement, fueled by the death of Mahsa Amini. Analysts point to a combination of factors exacerbating the current crisis: prolonged international sanctions, the aftermath of the June 2025 12-day conflict with Israel, water and energy shortages, and elite-level corruption. The rial's depreciation — losing substantial value over the past year — has eroded purchasing power, with inflation rates for food items reaching alarming levels.
The internet shutdown has severely hampered verification efforts, with eyewitness accounts and limited footage emerging through alternative channels. Rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have condemned the blackout as a tool of repression aimed at concealing violations amid the crackdown. Prominent Iranian figures, such as filmmakers, have publicly criticized the measure.
As the blackout enters its fifth day and protests persist despite communication barriers, the situation remains fluid. International attention has intensified, with discussions around potential foreign responses, though the Iranian leadership has warned against external intervention.
The combination of economic despair and restricted information flow has created a volatile environment, raising concerns about further escalation. NetBlocks continues to monitor the crisis, urging restoration of connectivity to allow free expression and accurate reporting.
