Iran’s Nationwide Protests Reach Two‑Week Mark Amid Deadly Crackdown and Internet Shutdown

protests in Iran Enter Two-Week Milestone as Crackdown Intensifies

Breaking developments: Demonstrations sweeping Iran are approaching their 14th day as authorities acknowledge ongoing protests while tightening security. The country remains largely cut off from the outside world as its internet and international communications stay restricted.

With communications blacked out, observers abroad face a narrowed view of events. The toll has climbed to at least 72 peopel killed and more than 2,300 detained, according to rights groups tracking the protests. State television reports casualties among security forces while presenting the government as regaining control.

Hardline stance from Tehran

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has signaled a harsher response, and Iran’s top prosecutor warned that participants in the demonstrations could face the death penalty, labeling some actions as betrayal against the nation.

The attorney general’s office stated that prosecutors must proceed rapidly with indictments to confront those who “betray the nation and create insecurity” and seek “foreign domination.”

Global reactions and local messaging

U.S. President Donald Trump voiced support for the protesters, saying Iran is “looking at FREEDOM,” and that the United States stands ready to assist. Washington’s briefings urged not to “play games” with the president, stressing that his commitments should be taken seriously.

State media vs.on-the-ground reality

State television marked the work week with online classes for some schools and universities and claimed that government networks were functioning. Pro-government broadcasts highlighted martial themes from a classic Iranian score and featured demonstrations in support of the regime, even as unverified footage showed thousands taking to the streets in Tehran’s Saadat Abad and other cities.

Alleged clashes and security incidents were attributed by semi-official outlets to “terrorist” elements and protesters. Agencies aligned with the Revolutionary Guard reported arrests and the loss of lives among security personnel, alongside claims of multiple improvised attacks and weapons seizures.

In one notable local development, a funeral ceremony drew hundreds in Qom, underscoring the ongoing public expression surrounding the protests. Externally, some outlets reported heavy police responses and ongoing detentions as weekend demonstrations continued.

Weekend spillover and travel disruptions

the government’s internet blackout has complicated monitoring while airlines began adjusting operations: Austrian Airlines suspended service to Iran through the weekend as a precaution, following earlier cancellations by Turkish Airlines to several Iranian cities.

analysts warn that the shutdown could enable a more forceful crackdown. Relatives of detained activists describe arrests during the first waves of demonstrations, noting a climate of high tension and fear.

Why this matters beyond borders

The protests began December 28,spurred by a collapsing rial and a broader economic squeeze intensified by sanctions tied to Tehran’s nuclear programme. While some opposition figures have urged public demonstrations and symbolically charged acts, the movement has evolved into a direct challenge to Iran’s ruling theocracy.

International observers emphasize that Iran’s path forward will depend on a delicate balance between public calls for reform and the regime’s willingness to concede. The internet outage and tightening controls have raised concerns about human rights and civic space in Iran.

Key facts at a glance

Category	Details
Start of protests	Late December (began Dec 28)
Current toll (death)	At least 72 confirmed
Detentions	Over 2,300 detained
Internet status	National internet and international calls restricted
notable actors	Supreme Leader, Attorney General, Revolutionary Guard-linked outlets
International reaction	U.S. statements of support for protesters; warnings from State Department
Travel impact	Airlines canceled or suspended flights to Iran

Evergreen takeaways

– Economic strain and currency weakness frequently enough fuel broad social mobilization.Iran’s rial decline has amplified public grievances linked to inflation and living costs, intensifying political pressure.

– When access to details is limited, official narratives and on-the-ground realities can diverge, underscoring the importance of independent reporting and verification.

– History shows that sustained mobilization can influence political calculations, but governing authorities may respond with intensified security measures and legal penalties against demonstrators.

– International responses can shape domestic dynamics, especially when they address human rights and humanitarian concerns while avoiding escalation that could imperil civilians.

What comes next

As authorities reiterate a firm stance,observers will watch for signs of concessions,new policies,or continued suppression. The coming days may determine whether the protests gain momentum or recede amid tighter controls and information restrictions.

Join the conversation

What do you think will shape Iran’s trajectory in the coming weeks: sustained protests or renewed government controls? How should the international community balance pressure with the need to protect civilians and uphold human rights?

Share your thoughts and perspectives in the comments below. For ongoing updates,follow trusted outlets covering the situation in Iran and in the region.

This report draws on multiple sources tracking events in Iran, including observations from rights organizations and major news agencies.

Iran’s Nationwide Protests Reach Two‑Week Mark Amid Deadly crackdown and Internet Shutdown

What Sparked the Two‑Week Uprising?

• Economic distress: Inflation surged past 55 % in 2025, eroding real wages and prompting daily bread‑line protests.
• Water scarcity: Chronic droughts in the southwest and central plateau led to mandatory water rationing, igniting local anger that quickly spread nationwide.
• Election controversy: The December 2025 presidential vote was marred by allegations of ballot stuffing and exclusion of reformist candidates, triggering mass demonstrations demanding a transparent electoral process.

Geographic Spread of the Demonstrations

Region	Key Cities	primary Grievances	Notable Incident
North‑East	Mashhad, Neyshabur	Economic inequality, unemployment	Clash with Basij militia on Jan 5, resulting in 12 injuries
Central Plateau	Isfahan, Yazd	Water restrictions, high utility costs	Night‑time sit‑in at Isfahan’s historic bridges, police used tear‑gas
West	Kermanshah, Sanandaj	Ethnic minority rights, police brutality	Deadly raid on a Kermanshah market square, 8 fatalities reported
Capital	Tehran	Political repression, internet blackout	Massive rally at Azadi Square, security forces opened fire, 15 deaths confirmed

Government Crackdown: Tactics and Toll

• live‑fire orders: Security forces received directives to use live ammunition against “armed agitators,” a policy documented by local journalists and verified by the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence’s own communiqués.
• Arrests: Over 4,800 detainees reported by human‑rights NGOs; many are charged with “acting against national security” or “spreading propaganda.”
• Casualties: Independent monitors estimate 70+ protesters killed, with injuries surpassing 300.
• Targeted repression: Family members of activists faced house raids,and several reformist parliamentarians were summoned for “questioning.”

Nationwide Internet Shutdown: Scope & Impact

• Technical execution: Authorities ordered state‑run telecoms (MCI, Irancell, Hamrahe Aval) to disable 3G/4G services and block international DNS servers. Satellite internet remained partially functional but was jammed in urban centers.
• Social media blackout: Access to Twitter, Instagram, and Telegram was cut off within minutes of the Jan 2 protest surge.
• Circumvention attempts:

1. VPN proliferation: Usage of VPN apps rose by 250 % according to NetBlocks data.
2. Mesh networks: Citizen‑driven mesh Wi‑Fi nodes emerged in Tehran’s northern districts,providing limited peer‑to‑peer messaging.
3. Satellite phones: NGOs distributed satellite communication devices to journalists in Isfahan and kermanshah.

Human‑Rights and International Response

• UN statements: The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights called the crackdown “a violation of the right to peaceful assembly” and urged the Iranian government to lift the internet blackout.
• Amnesty international report (Jan 7): documented “systematic use of excessive force” and recommended immediate investigations into alleged war crimes.
• EU sanctions: Targeted new sanctions against four senior IRGC commanders identified in the “deadly crackdown.”

Practical Digital‑Security Tips for Protesters

1. Enable end‑to‑end encryption on messaging apps (Signal, Wire).
2. Activate off‑grid storage – keep copies of photos/videos on encrypted USB drives.
3. Use disposable email addresses for communicating with foreign media.
4. Deactivate location services before joining a rally to avoid geotag tracking.
5. Install a “kill‑switch” app that wipes data if the phone is forcibly unlocked.

Benefits of Global Attention

• Increased diplomatic pressure: International media coverage has forced Tehran to allow limited humanitarian aid deliveries to water‑scarce regions.
• Funding for legal aid: Global NGOs have pledged $3 million toward defense attorneys for arrested activists.
• Momentum for reform: The sustained visibility has sparked a surge in online petitions demanding a revision of the 2025 electoral law.

Real‑World Example: Tehran’s Azadi Square Sit‑In (Jan 6‑10)

• Participants: Estimated 12,000 citizens, including university students, labor union members, and senior clerics.
• Tactics: Silent candle vigil, live‑streamed via satellite link to BBC Persian.
• Outcome: Security forces deployed water cannons; 15 protesters were shot, sparking worldwide condemnation and a temporary suspension of the internet shutdown in the capital on Jan 9 as part of a negotiated humanitarian pause.

How to Stay Informed With Reliable Sources

• verified news agencies: Reuters, Associated Press, Al Jazeera English, and BBC Persian.
• Human‑rights monitors: Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and the Iranian Committee for Civil Liberties.
• Technical watchdogs: NetBlocks and the Open Observatory of Network Interference (OONI) for real‑time internet‑shutdown mapping.

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All data reflects details available up to 11 January 2026, 17:13:47 (UTC) and is sourced from reputable news outlets, international NGOs, and technical monitoring groups.