Jason Rezaian says regime blackout is an ‘indication of how big a threat’ protests are

Key Concepts

• Iranian Protests (2026): Current wave of protests distinguished by broad participation across ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic groups.
• Internet Shutdown: Complete or near-complete internet shutdown imposed by the Iranian regime to suppress protests and limit information flow.
• Starlink: Satellite internet constellation used by protesters to circumvent the internet shutdown.
• Resa Pahlavi: Son of the former Shah of Iran, whose name is being chanted in protests, but whose leadership qualifications are questioned.
• Democratic Transition: The protesters’ core demand for a shift towards a democratic government.
• International Intervention: Debate surrounding the role of external actors, particularly the United States, in supporting the protests.

The Current Iranian Protests: A Deep Dive

The current protests in Iran, occurring as of late 2026, represent a significant shift from previous demonstrations, according to Jason Razian, Director of Press Freedom Initiatives and a former Washington Post correspondent imprisoned in Iran for 544 days. Razian notes the protests’ “electrifying” nature and highlights a key difference: the unprecedented breadth of participation. Unlike past unrest, these protests are not limited to specific groups. They encompass diverse ethnic and religious communities, span both rural and urban areas, and include individuals from all socioeconomic classes. A unifying factor is a “very clear call from protesters that they’ve had enough of this authoritarian state.”

Communication Blackout and Regime Response

A particularly alarming development is the Iranian regime’s imposition of a near-total internet shutdown. Razian emphasizes the severity of this action, stating that he hasn’t been able to communicate directly with anyone inside Iran for a week. He points out the irony of this in 2026, given Iran’s reliance on the internet for essential functions like banking and business. The regime’s willingness to incur significant economic damage by cutting off internet access underscores the perceived threat posed by the protests.

Despite the shutdown, sporadic reports from individuals connecting via Starlink paint a “grim tale of carnage in the streets.” Razian details the regime’s use of “military weaponry…the sort of weapons that you would use in a war” against peaceful civilian protesters. While repression is a long-standing tactic of the Iranian government, the scale of the current violence is described as unprecedented, indicating the “anger and…resilience and bravery” of the protesters.

The Question of Leadership and Governance

Razian addresses the frequently discussed topic of potential leadership following a potential regime collapse. He expresses skepticism regarding the suitability of Resa Pahlavi, the son of the former Shah, to lead a democratic Iran. While acknowledging that Pahlavi’s name is being chanted during protests, Razian raises “very real questions about his commitment to a democratic transition.” He argues that the focus should not be on identifying the next leader, but rather on supporting the protesters’ demands for a democratic transition, a support he believes has been lacking to date.

Intervention and International Support

When questioned about the possibility of external intervention, specifically from the United States, Razian cautions against military action. He explicitly states that military strikes on nuclear facilities or military positions within Iran would be “destabilizing.” Instead, he advocates for restoring internet access to Iran, enabling documentation of the events unfolding, and building international support to hold Iranian officials accountable. He frames restoring connectivity as a crucial step, stating it is “one big piece of what needs to happen here.”

Historical Context and Regime Tactics

Razian’s personal experience – 544 days of imprisonment in Iran – lends weight to his analysis. He implicitly draws on this experience to highlight the regime’s established pattern of repression. The current internet shutdown and violent crackdown are presented not as isolated incidents, but as continuations of long-standing tactics used to maintain control.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The protests in Iran represent a potentially pivotal moment, distinguished by their broad base of support and the protesters’ resolute demand for democratic change. The regime’s response, characterized by a draconian internet shutdown and escalating violence, underscores the severity of the challenge it faces. Razian’s analysis emphasizes the need for international support focused on empowering the protesters, documenting abuses, and holding officials accountable, while explicitly warning against destabilizing military intervention. The situation is fluid and the future uncertain, but the current unrest signals a significant challenge to the Iranian government’s authority.