TL;DR
Eyewitnesses say landline phone services have been disrupted in parts of Iran while network monitors report internet shutdowns in many cities as millions protested nationwide. The unrest has continued despite a reported violent security response and has generated calls for alternatives to restore connectivity.
What happened
Multiple eyewitnesses reported that landline telephone service was cut in some areas of Iran as large-scale demonstrations spread across the country. Network monitoring organizations additionally indicated internet access had been suspended in many cities, complicating outside efforts to track events. The demonstrations drew millions of people despite what the source describes as a violent response by security forces. Activists and public figures responded: US-based Iranian activist Masih Alinejad urged that satellite internet (Starlink) be used to restore online access and called for international readiness to support political transition, while US Congressman Carlos Gimenez posted public support for protesters. Separately, Iran International reviewed hundreds of protest videos from the first 10 days of unrest, coding hundreds of chant instances that showed a shift from economic grievances to explicit political slogans and broader geographic spread.
Why it matters
- Telecom disruptions limit the ability of protesters, journalists and rights groups to communicate and document events in real time.
- Widespread internet shutdowns impede independent verification and reduce outside access to on-the-ground reporting.
- The evolution of protest slogans from economic to political demands suggests the unrest is widening in scope and intensity.
- Calls for satellite internet highlight interest in alternative connectivity solutions and potential international involvement.
Key facts
- Eyewitnesses reported landline phone service cuts in some parts of Iran.
- Network monitors reported internet access was shut down in many Iranian cities.
- Millions of people participated in nationwide protests despite a reported violent crackdown by security forces.
- Masih Alinejad publicly urged deployment of Starlink satellite internet to restore connectivity.
- Republican Congressman Carlos Gimenez posted public support for protesters in Tehran.
- Iran International analyzed 463 video clips from the first 10 days of unrest, recorded across 91 cities, towns and villages.
- That analysis identified 93 distinct protest chants across 641 chant instances.
- Video evidence showed a rapid shift in slogans from strike and economic calls to direct political opposition and pro-Pahlavi lines.
- Chants documented included calls against Iran’s leadership and references to the return of the Pahlavi family, among other themes.
What to watch next
- Whether landline and internet cuts will expand to more regions — not confirmed in the source
- Whether satellite solutions such as Starlink will be deployed to restore connectivity — not confirmed in the source
- How international governments and organizations will respond to communications blackouts and reported crackdowns — not confirmed in the source
Quick glossary
- Landline phone: A telephone connection that uses physical wires (copper or fiber) between endpoints, as opposed to mobile or cellular services.
- Internet shutdown: A deliberate disruption of Internet access or connectivity for a population, often implemented by limiting traffic at national or regional network points.
- Network monitors: Organizations or services that track global internet connectivity and can detect outages, throttling, or disruptions across networks.
- Starlink: A satellite-based internet service operated by SpaceX that can provide broadband connectivity independent of local terrestrial networks.
- Chant instance: A recorded occurrence of a chant or slogan in protest footage; used in analysis to count and categorize protest language.
Reader FAQ
Are landline services cut across all of Iran?
No. The source reports landline phone service cuts in some parts of Iran, not a nationwide cut.
Is the internet completely down across the country?
Network monitors reported internet shutdowns in many cities, but the source does not confirm a complete national blackout.
Who ordered the telecom cuts?
Not confirmed in the source.
Will Starlink or other satellite internet providers restore connectivity?
Masih Alinejad called for Starlink deployment, but actual deployment or involvement by providers is not confirmed in the source.
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Sources
- Landline phones cut in parts of Iran, eyewitnesses say
- Iran experiencing nationwide internet blackout, monitor says
- Iran cuts internet and telephone access nationwide amid …
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