Iran Protests Escalate Amid Blackout

State media blames ‘foreign agents’ as Pahlavi’s call fuels unrest

January 9, 2026: Iranian state media on Friday accused “terrorist agents” linked to the United States and Israel of inciting violence and setting fires amid the spreading protests across the country. While acknowledging “casualties,” official reports offered no details. The government has imposed a nationwide communications blackout, cutting internet access and international calls, making it difficult to independently verify the full scale of the unrest.

The protests, which began on December 28 over Iran’s deteriorating economic conditions, have since grown into the most serious challenge to the clerical leadership in years. Despite tighter information controls, demonstrations have continued to spread across cities and towns. Rights groups and circulating online footage suggest the movement is gaining momentum, even as authorities attempt to curb coverage.

According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 42 people have been killed and more than 2,270 detained so far. The unrest has also tested the influence of exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi, who called for nationwide protests and renewed his appeal for demonstrations on Friday evening. Chants backing the former shah have been heard at some rallies, highlighting the growing political anger now driving the movement.