Internet Blackout & Flight Cancellations Escalate Tensions
Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei delivered a fiery televised address Friday, urging national unity while accusing protesters of acting to 'please the United States.' The speech comes amid widespread demonstrations triggered by economic hardships and a collapsing rial currency since late December 2025.
🔥 'They ruin their own streets to make the president of another country happy,' Khamenei stated, directly referencing former U.S. President Donald Trump. The 86-year-old leader vowed Iran 'will not back down' against what he called 'saboteurs,' adding that 'arrogant' U.S. leadership would be 'overthrown.'
What's Happening On the Ground?
• Nationwide internet blackouts since Thursday • Deadly clashes reported between police and protesters • Turkish and Emirati airlines cancel Iran flights • Economic crisis deepens with rial losing 60% value since November
📱 Digital activists report Instagram and WhatsApp – the last accessible platforms in Iran – went dark this week. Authorities claim the disruptions prevent 'coordinated riots,' while protesters call it an information lockdown.
