When protests surface in Iran, the government typically responds with repression rather than conversation.
Recently, officials in Tehran are reportedly working to curtail unrest before it can spread, according to analysts and human rights organizations. This involves implementing a nationwide internet blackout, increasing surveillance using drones, and deploying security forces to handle demonstrators. According to NetBlocks, an organization that monitors global internet access, this blackout has now extended into its fifth day, with virtually no connectivity. Authorities are also jamming satellite internet, impacting services like Starlink, which further restricts communication for the Iranian populace.
Iran acts swiftly to manage protests
The priority appears to be quick action.
As Jason Brodsky, a scholar at the Middle East Institute, mentioned, “The Islamic Republic’s only solution to protests is to intensify repression and use violence.”
Starting in early 2026, Iran has experienced widespread protests driven by economic issues, political oppression, and dissatisfaction with the clerical leadership. These demonstrations have spread beyond urban areas into smaller towns and rural regions. The people are frustrated with rising inflation, unemployment, and various social restrictions, pushing against the claim that dissent is limited to urban settings.
Brodsky points out that Iranian leaders have learned from previous protests—if unrest is allowed to grow visible and gain momentum, it can spiral quickly. Past events in 2019 and 2022 escalated as online images of violence gained traction and caught international attention.
This understanding has influenced how the current administration reacts, according to him.
Brodsky elaborated that the Islamic Republic has a well-established strategy for handling protests with a multi-tiered security response, where initial police forces are supplemented by more robust units like the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and the Basij militia, which remains on standby.
In addition to communication cutoffs and arrests, authorities have ramped up surveillance measures. Drones are being used to track crowds and monitor individuals during protests.
Brodsky noted that the regime increasingly depends on aerial surveillance and digital tracking to gather intelligence during demonstrations, allowing them to identify protesters even after crowds have dispersed.
UN investigators have raised concerns about Iran’s growing reliance on technology for repression, integrating tools like surveillance drones and facial recognition software. These systems often facilitate the targeting of dissidents based on data collected during protests.
The weekend witnessed a spike in violence and arrests, with reports suggesting at least 3,000 fatalities, though the actual number could be significantly higher. Over 10,000 people have been detained. This contrasts sharply with previous crackdowns, where more than 500 were reported dead during protests in 2022 and 2023, and over 300 in the 2019 protests.
U.S. considers responses amid Iran’s ongoing crackdown
As President Trump evaluates strategies to respond to Iran, there are various non-military options on the table.
Cyber and information warfare could be particularly effective, especially as Tehran depends on shutdowns, surveillance, and digital systems to suppress dissent.
Brodsky highlighted that the U.S. has strong cyber capabilities available. He pointed to operations earlier this year that disrupted communications in Venezuela as an example of how these capabilities could be applied.
However, Benam Ben Taleblou from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies cautioned that U.S. efforts to support protests might backfire if directed at the wrong targets or seen as disconnected from the realities on the ground. Misguided actions could drive Iranians into “survival mode,” potentially stifling rather than igniting protests. In contrast, targeted actions against the regime’s repressive elements might resonate more with the populace.
An intermediate approach could involve strikes on infrastructure that supports the military’s efforts against systems like Starlink.
Brodsky also suggested that declassifying certain intelligence could help support protesters by providing them with warnings and information.
President Trump mentioned discussing with Elon Musk the possibility of restoring internet access in Iran through Starlink.
Starlink’s potential to bypass government-controlled infrastructure does come with challenges, as it requires physical terminals that are risky for users due to legal restrictions.
Analysts point out that while the regime continues its crackdown, many Iranians appear to be growing bolder. Brodsky remarked, “Fearlessness is increasing among the Iranian people. Once that fear factor is diminished, it’s hard to regain control.” This sentiment was evident even amid ongoing conflicts and operations in the region.
