Protests in Iran have escalated as the country enters a second day of an internet blackout imposed by the government. Tensions have been mounting for over ten days, fueled by widespread dissatisfaction with rising inflation and the actions of the conservative leadership. In response to the unrest, Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last monarch ousted in the 1979 Islamic Revolution, has called for a two-day nationwide strike.
Pahlavi made his appeal in a video posted on social media platform X, urging workers in vital sectors such as transportation, oil and gas, and energy to participate in the strike beginning Saturday, which marks the start of the working week in Iran. He encouraged demonstrators to take to the streets with flags and national symbols, stating, “The goal is to prepare to seize city centers and hold them.” His comments followed significant protests on Friday, which he claimed conveyed a strong message to Iran’s leaders.
The level of support for Pahlavi within Iran remains uncertain. Having been only 16 when his father’s reign ended, he has lived in exile for decades. As the eldest son of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, he was positioned to inherit a long-standing dynasty.
As the protests continue, the situation in Iran is compounded by a severe internet blackout. According to watchdog organization NetBlocks, the blackout has now lasted over 36 hours, severely restricting the ability of Iranians to communicate and check on the safety of loved ones. This disruption followed significant demonstrations in Tehran, where authorities cut off internet and telephone access on Thursday.
NetBlocks reported at 11:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, “It’s now 8:00 am in #Iran where the sun is rising after another night of protests met with repression.” The organization highlighted that the blackout remains in effect, complicating the flow of information during a critical time of unrest.
The protests, which began on December 28, 2023, reflect deep-rooted discontent with Iran’s economic climate and the government’s oppressive measures against dissent. As the strike called by Pahlavi unfolds alongside the internet blackout, the world watches closely to see how the Iranian authorities respond to the mounting pressures from their citizens.
