The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a policy research organization, reported on Saturday that Iran experienced 116 protests across 22 provinces since 3:30 PM local time on January 8. According to the report, 20 of these protests were considered large, with turnout exceeding 1,000 participants. The ISW noted that due to ongoing internet restrictions, this figure likely represents only a portion of the actual protest activity, as demonstrators face difficulties in sharing videos and updates online. Some protesters have reportedly used Starlink satellite internet to communicate with foreign media and report on events.

The ISW highlighted that the Iranian regime has maintained a nationwide internet shutdown in an attempt to curb protest coordination and obscure the scale of unrest. Despite these measures, demonstrations have continued to spread across the country. The think tank stated that the ongoing protests may have reached a level where Iranian security forces are struggling to contain them, with protesters reportedly causing damage to regime institutions in multiple cities on January 8 and 9. There are indications that the regime may increasingly rely on the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps to suppress dissent, as local law enforcement faces operational constraints.

Prominent Iranian journalist and activist Masih Alinejad shared videos received via Starlink, emphasizing the crucial role of internet access for the ongoing uprising. She noted that with the regime having shut down internet connections for over 90 million Iranians, Starlink services have provided protesters with an essential tool for reporting and organizing, which she described as a significant contribution to the fight for democracy.

Meanwhile, internet monitoring organization NetBlocks reported that the nationwide blackout had continued for more than 36 hours, severely limiting Iranians’ ability to communicate, access information, or check on the safety of friends and family amid the unrest. The prolonged shutdown underscores the regime’s attempts to control information flow and restrict public mobilization.

The protests and crackdown have drawn international attention. On Saturday, world leaders condemned the killings and arrests of protesters, with the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, and the European Union issuing a joint statement praising the courage of Iranian citizens while denouncing the reported government repression. The widespread unrest, combined with the regime’s restrictive measures, highlights both the resilience of the protest movement and the escalating tensions between Iranian authorities and the population.