What’s Happening in Iran Right Now
1) Massive National Protests
Iran is experiencing one of the largest protest movements in years, with daily demonstrations in cities across the country. (Bloomberg)
The protests began in late December 2025 due to economic hardship, inflation, and public anger over government priorities but have evolved into broad anti-government unrest. (Reuters)
Human rights groups say hundreds have been killed and thousands arrested during crackdowns by security forces. (The Guardian)
2) Internet and Phone Blackout
Since around January 8, 2026, Iranian authorities have imposed a nearly nationwide internet blackout, cutting off phone and web access inside the country and to the outside world. (Wikipedia)
This is aimed at stopping information from spreading and limiting protesters’ ability to communicate or organize. (Wikipedia)
The blackout has also disrupted banks, businesses, hospitals, and travel. (Wikipedia)
3) Trump & Elon Musk Internet Plan
U.S. President Donald Trump announced he plans to talk with Elon Musk about possibly using SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet system to reconnect Iranians to the global internet. (Reuters)
Starlink — satellite broadband not controlled by Iranian authorities — has been used in past crises to help people bypass censorship. (Wikipedia)
The idea behind Trump’s suggestion: restore communications so protesters and families can reach the outside world — though details and feasibility remain unclear. (Reuters)
4) Government Response
Iran’s officials claim they have brought unrest under control and reject outside interference. (The Guardian)
Hardline rhetoric is rising, and Iran’s leadership has said it is prepared for confrontation if foreign powers interfere. (The Guardian)
🇮🇶 How This Affects Iraq
Iran and Iraq have very deep political, economic, and security ties, so instability in Iran reverberates in Iraq in several ways:
1) Security & Militias
Iran-backed militias are active in Iraq (especially in the south and across Baghdad). If Iran becomes unstable, these groups could shift focus, change alliances, or increase activity to protect Iranian interests.
This could destabilize Iraq’s fragile security landscape.
2) Regional Power Balance
Iraq often balances between the U.S. and Iran diplomatically.
Heightened U.S.–Iran tensions — including talk of satellite internet involvement or even threats of intervention — put Iraq in a difficult position diplomatically, potentially drawing pressure from both sides.
3) Economic & Trade Impact
Iran and Iraq have significant trade ties (energy and consumer goods).
A prolonged blackout and unrest can slow or disrupt cross-border trade, hurting commerce that Iraqi businesses and consumers rely on.
4) Refugees & Internal Pressures
If the crisis deepens, Iranians could flee toward Iraq, creating humanitarian pressures on border regions.
Iraq already manages large populations of displaced people — another influx would strain resources.
5) Sectarian & Political Tensions
Iraq is religiously and ethnically diverse, and large shifts in Iranian politics could embolden factions within Iraq that either support Tehran or oppose it — potentially aggravating internal divisions.
Big Picture: Why This Matters Beyond Iran
Iran’s protests are not just political disagreement — they are pushing against the entire clerical rule structure, which has influence in countries like Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen. (Bloomberg)
An internet blackout makes it much harder to know exactly what’s happening on the ground, which raises fears both inside the region and internationally. (The Times)