Published on: 09 Jan 2026 at 06:12 AM

Iran Crisis: Midnight Internet Shutdown, 45 Dead So Far; Why Iran Is Burning, Trump Furious Too

Published by: Gill Bikram

Iran Crisis: Midnight Internet Shutdown, 45 Dead So Far; Why Iran Is Burning, Trump Furious Too

Summary:
Recent unrest in Iran began on December 28, 2025, in Tehran’s bazaars. The Iranian currency (rial) has plummeted to record lows, with annual inflation exceeding 42%.
By Himanshu Jha | Live Hindustan | January 9, 2026, 05:43 AM IST

Protests raging across Iran for the past 12 days have now taken a gravely serious turn. On Thursday night, internet services were shut down nationwide. This move came immediately after exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi’s call for mass demonstrations. Iranian authorities are using the internet blackout to disrupt coordination among protesters and prevent news from inside the country from reaching the world. Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi had already warned that the panicked regime might cut off information by severing internet access.

The latest unrest in Iran erupted on December 28, 2025, in Tehran’s bazaars. The rial’s value has fallen to record lows, and annual inflation has surged beyond 42%. Iran is still recovering from wounds inflicted by its June 2024 war with Israel and years of economic sanctions. Meanwhile, power outages and fuel shortages have further fueled public anger.

According to human rights organizations, security forces’ crackdown on protesters has killed at least 45 people, including children, so far. More than 2,260 individuals have been arrested. During this time, Iran’s Chief Justice has warned that no leniency will be shown to those aiding enemies of the Islamic Republic.

America’s Stern Warning

US President Donald Trump has adopted an aggressively critical stance on the situation. He warned Iranian officials that if they resume killing protesters, Washington will deal with them harshly. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also described Iran’s economy as extremely vulnerable.

Why Did the Crown Prince Ignite This?

The son of the Shah ousted in the 1979 revolution, exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, has once again emerged as the face of the opposition. He urged people to unite and take to the streets. During the protests, chants of “Death to the tyrant” and praise for the Shah’s rule have echoed.