Iran Internet Shutdown: Protests Against Regime Intensify

⁤ Initial reports⁢ began surfacing⁤ around 2:00 AM Tehran time, detailing ⁢a surge in protests. ⁢”It was‌ truly remarkable! The crowd was incredibly large, ‌and ⁢their bravery was inspiring,” shared ⁢Sahand,​ a 47-year-old resident of Tehran who requested anonymity. He described marching from the city center towards northern Tehran between 8:00 PM and midnight, facing tear gas and pellet gun fire from security forces.
The dominant chants centered around⁣ support for Reza Pahlavi [the exiled son of the Shah of Iran], as well as cries of “Death⁤ to the ‌dictator!”

⁣ Before internet access was ⁤disrupted, videos emerged online documenting demonstrations across numerous Iranian cities.
‍ ⁣ ​ In Karaj (30 kilometers east of Tehran), Mashhad⁣ (northeast),⁣ Babol (north), and Kermanshah (west), protestors voiced slogans like “Death to [Ali] Khamenei!”, the Supreme Leader of Iran, ⁢and “This is the final⁢ battle, Pahlavi will return!”, referencing the dynasty overthrown by the 1979 islamic Revolution. ⁤Reports and images indicated fires set to prefabricated structures, police vehicles, and mosque entrances.

Understanding the Current Iran Protests

⁣ The⁣ recent unrest in Iran, beginning December‍ 28, 2025, represents a significant escalation of discontent. While economic hardship, notably inflation, is a key driver, the protests also reflect deeper frustrations with the political and social restrictions ⁤imposed by the current regime.​ I’ve found that these types of widespread demonstrations ⁢often stem from ⁤a confluence of factors, not just a single grievance.
⁢

‌ Recent economic data from the World bank (December 2025) indicates Iran’s inflation rate has soared to ⁤over 40% in the last⁣ year, significantly ​impacting the purchasing power of ordinary citizens. This economic pressure, coupled with limited political freedoms, has created a‍ volatile⁤ surroundings.
‌

‍ The calls for the​ return of Reza ⁤Pahlavi,the son of the last Shah,signal a desire ⁢for a return to a pre-revolutionary era among some segments of the population. However,it’s crucial to⁤ understand that the protest movement is diverse,encompassing a wide‌ range of⁣ political viewpoints and socio-economic backgrounds.