Protests in Iran have entered their second week, accompanied by a significant internet blackout imposed by authorities. The unrest is largely fueled by rising inflation and widespread dissatisfaction with the government. In response to the ongoing demonstrations, Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah, has called for a two-day nationwide strike, urging workers in essential sectors to participate.
Pahlavi, an exiled opposition figure, released a video on X addressing the protesters directly. He urged “workers and employees in key sectors of the economy — especially transportation, oil and gas, and energy — to begin a nationwide strike” starting Saturday, coinciding with the beginning of the workweek in Iran. During this critical period of unrest, he encouraged citizens to take to the streets with flags and national symbols, asserting the need to reclaim public spaces. His message emphasized the importance of establishing a strong presence in city centers, claiming that recent protests have sent a clear signal to the Iranian leadership.
The popularity of Pahlavi within Iran remains uncertain. He was only 16 years old when the 1979 Islamic Revolution resulted in the overthrow of his father, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, ending a 40-year reign. The current protests, which started on December 28, 2023, have seen demonstrators expressing their anger not only about economic conditions but also against the conservative rulers and the violent actions of security forces.
As protests persist, the internet blackout continues to disrupt communication across the country. According to the monitoring organization NetBlocks, authorities cut internet and telephone access following mass demonstrations in the capital, Tehran. As of Saturday morning, the blackout had lasted over 36 hours, making it increasingly difficult for Iranians to check on the safety of their friends and family. NetBlocks reported this situation, stating, “It’s now 8:00 am in #Iran where the sun is rising after another night of protests met with repression; metrics show the nationwide internet blackout remains in place at 36 hours.”
The ongoing unrest reflects deep-rooted frustration among Iranians, particularly regarding the soaring inflation rates that have significantly impacted daily life. Demonstrators continue to voice their demands for change, highlighting the growing discontent with the current regime. As events unfold, the international community watches closely, concerned about the implications of both the protests and the government’s response.
