Iran experiencing nationwide internet blackout, monitor says

NetBlocks says the apparent blackout follows ‘a series of escalating digital censorship measures targeting protests’.Published On 8 Jan 2026Iran is experiencing a nationwide internet blackout, online monitoring group NetBlocks has said, amid escalating protests over a worsening economic crisis.In a post on social media on Thursday, NetBlocks noted that the apparent blackout follows “a series of escalating digital censorship measures targeting protests across the country and hinders the public’s right to communicate at a critical moment”.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Timeline of protests in Iran after the 1979 Islamic revolutionlist 2 of 3Why Trump’s regime-change playbook won’t work in Iranlist 3 of 3Iran’s New Year demonstrations and the question of regime survivalend of listProtesters have taken to the streets in cities across Iran since late December amid anger over the soaring cost of living and the devaluation of the local currency.At least 21 people, including security forces, have been killed since the demonstrations began, according to a tally by the AFP news agency, citing local media and official statements.The Iranian authorities have offered mixed messages in response to the unrest, with President Masoud Pezeshkian calling for “utmost restraint” in the handling of the demonstrations.But earlier this week, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said rioters must be “put in their place”. The country’s top judge also accused demonstrators of “operating in line” with the United States and Israel.Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei said there would be no leniency for those who “create insecurity”.“If anyone comes into the streets for riots or to create insecurity, or supports them, then no excuse remains for them,” he said. “The matter has become very clear and transparent. They are now operating in line with the enemies of the Iran" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="8614" data-entity-type="organization">Islamic Republic of Iran.”