Internet Blackout After Huge Iran Marches as Supreme Leader Says Protesters Are ‘Trying to Please Trump’

Iran imposed a widespread internet blackout following some of the largest public marches seen in recent years, cutting off millions of people from online communication as protests spread across major cities. The move came shortly after Iran’s Supreme Leader accused demonstrators of acting to “please Trump,” framing the unrest as foreign-driven rather than domestically motivated.

The shutdown has intensified concerns over civil liberties, access to information, and the growing use of digital restrictions as a tool of state control during moments of political crisis.

Protests That Shook the Streets

The marches, which drew thousands of people into city centers, were sparked by mounting economic pressure, political frustration, and anger over government policies. Protesters chanted slogans calling for reform, accountability, and relief from rising living costs.

Footage circulating before the blackout showed crowds filling streets in Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, and other major cities. The scale of the demonstrations appeared to catch authorities off guard, prompting swift security responses and heightened surveillance.

While protests in Iran are not new, their size and coordination raised alarm within the political establishment.

Supreme Leader Blames Foreign Influence

In a televised address, Iran’s Supreme Leader dismissed the protests as externally motivated, claiming demonstrators were acting to satisfy the interests of former US President Donald Trump and Iran’s enemies abroad.

Such rhetoric follows a familiar pattern in Iranian politics, where dissent is often portrayed as foreign interference. Officials argue that hostile governments exploit economic hardship and social unrest to destabilize the country.

Critics say this framing ignores genuine domestic grievances and serves to justify crackdowns on civil society and political expression.

The Internet Blackout Explained

Within hours of the marches, internet connectivity dropped sharply across Iran. Messaging apps, social media platforms, and even some basic services became inaccessible, leaving families, businesses, and journalists struggling to communicate.

Digital rights organizations reported disruptions consistent with deliberate throttling rather than technical failure. Similar tactics have been used in previous protests to limit coordination, prevent the spread of images, and control the narrative.

For many Iranians, the blackout added to a sense of isolation and fear, cutting them off from both each other and the outside world.

Impact on Ordinary Life

Beyond politics, the internet shutdown had immediate consequences for daily life. Small businesses reliant on online payments and social media marketing reported losses. Students were unable to access educational resources, while families struggled to check on loved ones.

Healthcare services that depend on digital systems faced delays, and journalists found it nearly impossible to verify information or report safely.

“This affects everyone, not just protesters,” said one Tehran resident before connectivity was lost. “When the internet goes, life stops.”

A Familiar Tool of Control

Iran is not alone in using internet shutdowns during unrest, but it has become one of the most frequent practitioners. Authorities view digital control as a way to maintain order, while critics see it as collective punishment.

Human rights organizations argue that internet access has become a basic necessity, and cutting it off violates freedom of expression and access to information.

The repeated use of blackouts has also damaged trust between the state and citizens, reinforcing perceptions of authoritarian control.

International Reaction and Condemnation

The blackout and the Supreme Leader’s comments drew condemnation from international rights groups and foreign governments. Critics accused Iranian authorities of suppressing legitimate dissent and silencing voices rather than addressing grievances.

Digital freedom advocates called on technology companies and international bodies to pressure Iran to restore full connectivity and respect online rights.

Iranian officials have rejected external criticism, insisting that security and national sovereignty take precedence.

Protesters Push Back Against Narrative

Despite the government’s claims of foreign influence, protesters and activists insist their demands are rooted in domestic realities. Rising prices, unemployment, corruption allegations, and restrictions on personal freedoms have fueled frustration for years.

By blaming foreign actors, protesters argue, authorities avoid responsibility for systemic issues. “We are protesting for our lives, not for any foreign leader,” one activist said in a message shared before the blackout.

This disconnect between official narratives and public sentiment continues to widen.

Information Gaps and Misinformation Risks

Ironically, internet shutdowns can increase misinformation. With verified sources inaccessible, rumors spread through word of mouth and offline networks.

Analysts warn that cutting off information does not eliminate unrest—it often deepens mistrust and uncertainty, making situations harder to control.

For the global community, the blackout has made it difficult to assess the scale of arrests, injuries, or further developments.

A Generation at the Center

Iran’s population is young and digitally connected. For many, the internet is not just a tool but a space for identity, expression, and economic survival.

Repeated shutdowns have fueled generational frustration, reinforcing feelings that voices are ignored unless silenced.

Youth activists say digital repression only strengthens their resolve, even as it increases risks.

Conclusion: Silence That Speaks Volumes

The internet blackout following Iran’s massive marches is a stark reminder of how quickly digital freedoms can disappear during moments of unrest. By blaming protesters for “trying to please Trump,” Iran’s leadership has framed dissent as betrayal rather than dialogue.

Yet the scale of the protests suggests something deeper: a society struggling to be heard. As connectivity slowly returns, the underlying grievances remain—unresolved and amplified by silence.

In the modern age, shutting down the internet may quiet the streets temporarily, but it cannot erase the demands driving people into them.