Iran Faces Record Internet Blackout as Protests, Repression, and Global Tensions Intensify

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE

Article Published on: 17TH JAN 2026 | www.demodemagazine.com

Iran is experiencing its longest internet blackout on record, raising concerns that the government’s crackdown on protesters may continue despite recent assurances of restraint. The shutdown has lasted eight days, surpassing the disruption seen during the 2019 demonstrations, according to Netblocks. Although protests have subsided following a violent wave of repression, the outage continues to isolate Iranians and restrict the flow of information. Human rights groups report nearly 3,500 deaths and at least 20,000 arrests since demonstrations began in late December, with some estimates placing casualties even higher.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi pledged not to execute protesters after US President Donald Trump urged Iranians to oppose Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and warned of possible military action. Trump later praised Iran for suspending scheduled executions. Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s Starlink has waived fees to support limited connectivity. As US military assets move into the region, analysts warn tensions could escalate through early 2026.