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Iran Protests: Death Toll Exceeds 50 as Internet Blockade Continues

Published January 9, 2026, 21:08
Iran Protests: Death Toll Exceeds 50 as Internet Blockade Continues

Protests in Iran, which began on December 28th in response to the rising cost of living, have escalated into an unprecedented challenge for the Islamic Republic, which has ruled since 1979. A non-governmental organization, Iran Human Rights, announced that at least 51 protesters have been killed, including 9 children under the age of 18, and hundreds more have been injured during the first 13 days of the demonstrations across the country. Iranian authorities have imposed a complete internet blackout, which has lasted for over 24 hours, with connectivity reduced to 1% of normal levels. This move aims to suppress the protests and prevent communication between protesters and the outside world. Reza Pahlavi, son of the former Shah of Iran and representative of the exiled opposition, appealed to Donald Trump to intervene immediately in Iran, calling on him to support the Iranian people in their struggle for freedom. Pahlavi stated that Trump's threats to the Iranian regime have deterred security forces from violently suppressing the protests. The US president had previously threatened a strong response if Iranian authorities were to take violent action against protesters. Meanwhile, the head of Iranian diplomacy, Abbas Araghchi, accused the US and Israel of interfering in the protests, claiming they are trying to exploit the situation to destabilize Iran, while ruling out the possibility of foreign military intervention.