Widespread demonstrations across Iran have escalated following a government-imposed internet shutdown, with authorities reporting over 1,200 arrests and at least 47 fatalities since the unrest began on January 7, 2026. The crackdown coincides with a near-total digital blackout affecting more than 90% of the country’s internet infrastructure.
- Over 1,200 arrests and at least 47 deaths reported since January 7, 2026
- 92% of Iran’s internet infrastructure offline by January 8
- Tehran Stock Exchange halted trading for three days
- Iranian rial down 14.3% against the U.S. dollar
- 3.1% rise in crude oil futures linked to Iranian supply concerns
- Over 68% drop in digital banking activity across major Iranian banks
Protests across Iran have intensified over the past five days, spreading from Tehran to major cities including Mashhad, Isfahan, and Shiraz. Demonstrators, primarily young citizens, have taken to the streets demanding political reform, women's rights, and an end to state surveillance, following the death of a 22-year-old woman in police custody on January 5, which sparked national outrage. The government responded with a sweeping internet blackout, cutting off access to 92% of the country’s mobile and fixed-line networks by January 8, according to independent monitoring sources. The security forces have deployed armored vehicles and paramilitary units in urban centers, with official reports confirming 47 deaths and over 1,200 arrests as of January 11. Unverified but widely circulated video footage shows violent confrontations in central Tehran and Qom, where protesters set fire to government buildings and police stations. The internet shutdown has severely disrupted financial transactions, with banks reporting a 68% decline in digital banking activity and stock trading on the Tehran Stock Exchange halted for three consecutive days. International markets have reacted with caution. The Iranian rial has depreciated by 14.3% against the U.S. dollar since January 7, and crude oil futures linked to Iranian supply have seen a 3.1% increase due to fears of supply disruption. Global firms with operations in Iran, including several European energy and telecommunications companies, have suspended non-essential activities and issued travel advisories for their personnel. The escalating crisis has drawn attention from regional powers, with Saudi Arabia and Turkey calling for de-escalation, while the United States and European Union have warned of potential sanctions if the government continues to suppress dissent. The unrest underscores the fragility of Iran’s domestic stability and the growing economic and geopolitical risks tied to its digital and political repression.