Internet Shut, Thousands On Streets, Statues Torn Down: What Is Happening In Iran? (Image:X/FAB87F)
Iran is witnessing one of its biggest waves of public protests in years, with demonstrations spreading across the country and tensions rising sharply.
The unrest has now entered its 12th day, with people in several cities taking to the streets, shouting slogans against the country’s religious leadership and setting fire to government buildings and symbols of power.
The protests began in late December over rising prices, unemployment, and the worsening economy.
Iran is facing severe inflation, reported to be around 40 per cent, which has made daily essentials like food, fuel, and housing unaffordable for many families.
The situation became worse after the government raised fuel prices and removed special exchange rates that had kept food costs lower.
What started as economic anger has now turned into a larger movement against the Islamic Republic itself.
Protesters are openly chanting slogans such as “Death to the dictator” and “Death to the Islamic Republic,” targeting Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran Condemns US Interference And Hostile Policies
In several areas, crowds have praised Iran’s former monarchy and voiced support for exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi, shouting slogans like “Pahlavi will return.”
Massive protest in Tehran, Iran. People had enough. Not much mainstream media coverage. Why? pic.twitter.com/RqIikXbW94
— Lily Tang Williams (@Lily4Liberty) January 8, 2026
On Thursday night, protests intensified after Reza Pahlavi called on people to demonstrate at 8 pm local time.
In many neighbourhoods, people came out onto balconies and streets, chanting loudly.
In some cities, statues and government symbols were pulled down or damaged, including a statue of Qassem Soleimani, the former Revolutionary Guards commander killed in a US strike in 2020.
Millions of Iranians demanded their freedom tonight. In response, the regime in Iran has cut all lines of communication. It has shut down the Internet. It has cut landlines. It may even attempt to jam satellite signals.
I want to thank the leader of the free world, President…
— Reza Pahlavi (@PahlaviReza) January 8, 2026
As protests grew, the Iranian government responded by reportedly shutting down internet access and international phone services across the country.
Reports from monitoring groups like NetBlocks and Cloudflare confirmed that the blackout was caused by state interference.
What Is Happening In Venezuela? Here’s Everything You Need To Know
Calls into Iran from abroad failed, cutting off more than 85 million people from the outside world. State television reportedly did not mention the internet shutdown and instead focused on routine news like food subsidies.
According to human rights groups, at least 42 people have been killed since the protests began, and more than 2,200 people have been arrested. There are fears that the communication blackout could be followed by a harsher crackdown, as seen during past protests.
Public anger has been building for years in Iran, especially after the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini while in police custody, which had also triggered nationwide demonstrations.
Many Iranians say they are tired of economic hardship, restrictions on freedoms, and a lack of political change.
According to Iranian security and judicial officials, several armed cells have been dismantled in cities including Borujerd, Qazvin, Tehran, Mashhad, and Chenaran.
Authorities say these groups were not part of peaceful protests but were allegedly sent to incite violence, attack police, damage religious sites, and destabilize the country.
In western Iran’s Borujerd city, prosecutors confirmed the arrest of key ringleaders accused of organizing riots. Officials claimed the suspects were outsiders with criminal records who entered the city specifically to fuel chaos.
As per the reports, Police neutralized a four-member armed team allegedly preparing a “false-flag” killing to blame the state for civilian deaths. Weapons, ammunition, and materials used to make improvised explosive devices were reportedly seized.
(With inputs from agencies)
