US Accused of Spreading Unrest and Terrorism in Iran; Nationwide Internet Shutdown in Tehran Amid Protests

US Accused of Spreading Unrest and Terrorism in Iran: Iran accuses the United States of inciting unrest, violence, and terrorism through interference and sanctions as nationwide protests intensify and internet services are completely shut down in Tehran.

Amit Kaul – For Digital Desk, Bengaluru: January 9, 2026 –  Iran has strongly accused the United States of deliberately spreading unrest, insecurity, violence, and terrorism within its borders, amid escalating nationwide protests and a complete shutdown of internet services in Tehran. The allegations come as demonstrations, initially triggered by economic hardship, have expanded across the country, prompting a forceful response from Iranian authorities.

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In a sharply worded statement issued on Thursday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned what it described as “interventionist and misleading remarks” by U.S. officials regarding Iran’s internal developments. The ministry said these remarks are a clear reflection of Washington’s continued hostility toward Iran and accused the U.S. of pursuing policies designed to destabilize the country.

“Such stances are not motivated by concern for the Iranian people,” the statement said, “but are instead aligned with the U.S. policy of maximum pressure, threats, and interference in Iran’s internal affairs, aimed at inciting violence, terrorism, unrest, and insecurity.”

US Accused of Spreading Unrest and Terrorism in Iran: Sanctions Blamed for Economic Crisis

Iran reiterated that the root cause of its current economic challenges lies in what it called illegal and unjust U.S. sanctions. According to the Foreign Ministry, these measures amount to a “full-scale economic and financial war” against the Iranian nation, severely impacting livelihoods, inflation, employment, and access to essential goods.

The ministry emphasized that alleviating economic hardships remains a priority for the government, but stressed that meaningful progress is difficult under sustained international pressure.

The statement went on, “The comprehensive economic war waged by the United States through unjust sanctions is the root cause of the economic challenges faced by the Iranian people.”

Government Response to Protests

Addressing the growing protests, the Iranian government acknowledged the legitimacy of peaceful demonstrations within the framework of the country’s constitution. The Foreign Ministry stated that Iran recognizes lawful protests and is committed to addressing the genuine demands of its citizens through legal and institutional mechanisms.

However, officials also warned against what they describe as foreign-backed efforts to exploit public grievances and push the country toward chaos and violence.

US Accused of Spreading Unrest and Terrorism in Iran: Rising Death Toll and Mass Detentions

According to official figures and local reports, at least 39 people have been killed so far in the unrest, while approximately 2,200 individuals have been detained as violence erupted during demonstrations. The protests, which began as expressions of anger over economic conditions, have increasingly taken on political overtones, with some demonstrators openly challenging Iran’s theocratic system.

The most intense clashes were reported on Wednesday, with demonstrations spreading from major cities to smaller towns and rural areas across nearly every province. Despite the unrest, authorities said daily life in Tehran and several other cities continued relatively normally during daylight hours.

Role of Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi

A significant escalation occurred following a public call for protests by exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s last monarch, who was overthrown during the 1979 Islamic Revolution. On Thursday night, demonstrators took to the streets of Tehran in response to his appeal.

Slogans in support of the former Shah were reportedly chanted during the protests, marking a notable shift in tone and symbolism. Reza Pahlavi’s father left Iran shortly before the revolution and died in exile.

Thursday’s demonstrations were widely seen as the first major test of whether the Iranian public would respond to Pahlavi’s call from abroad. Markets in several areas reportedly closed in solidarity with the protesters.

US Accused of Spreading Unrest and Terrorism in Iran: Nationwide Internet Shutdown

As protests intensified, Iran experienced a near-total internet blackout. Online monitoring organization NetBlocks reported a nationwide shutdown on Thursday, confirming widespread disruptions to internet and telephone services, particularly in Tehran.

“Live metrics show that Iran is currently experiencing a nationwide internet shutdown,” NetBlocks said in a statement. “This hinders the public’s right to communicate at a crucial time and comes after a series of escalating digital censorship tactics targeting ongoing protests.”

The shutdown marks one of the most extensive digital restrictions imposed by Iranian authorities in recent years and has drawn concern from international observers and human rights groups.

US Accused of Spreading Unrest and Terrorism in Iran: International Implications

The latest developments underscore rising tensions between Tehran and Washington at a time of already strained relations over nuclear negotiations, regional security, and sanctions enforcement. Iran maintains that U.S. interference is exacerbating domestic instability, while Washington has repeatedly expressed support for what it describes as the Iranian people’s right to protest.

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As protests continue and internet access remains restricted, the situation in Iran remains volatile, with significant implications for regional stability and global diplomacy.

 

Author Bio:

Amit Kaul is a seasoned journalist and digital content strategist with over a decade of experience covering business, technology, finance, and digital economy trends. Based in Bengaluru, India, he specializes in producing high-quality, data-driven news articles optimized for global audiences and digital platforms. Amit is passionate about financial inclusion, fintech innovations, and economic developments that shape India and the world. His work has been featured on multiple news portals and Google News platforms, providing readers with timely and reliable insights.