Iran Faces Protests, Currency Collapse, and Starlink Jamming Amid Rising Tensions

Iran’s national currency, the rial, has plunged to historic lows against the U.S. dollar, trading at 1.3–1.4 million rials per dollar in open markets. The devaluation has sharply increased the prices of food, medicine, and daily necessities, fueling public discontent and sparking nationwide protests. The economic hardships have become a central trigger for the demonstrations, which have spread across multiple cities.

To control the unrest, the Iranian government has imposed nationwide internet restrictions, labeled protesters as “terrorists,” and deployed security forces. In a further escalation, Iranian military units have used electronic warfare technology to jam Starlink satellite internet signals, cutting off alternative channels that protesters and journalists had relied on to communicate outside state control. Officials have described these measures as steps to prevent foreign interference, but they have effectively severed most digital communications for civilians.

Amid growing international scrutiny, Iran’s leadership has signaled preparedness for potential military options. The combination of protests, economic collapse, and digital restrictions has made the nation’s internal security and regional stability highly sensitive. The ongoing confrontations between security forces and civilians underscore the country’s heightened state of alert.

Reflecting on Iran’s historical centralization of authority and national unity, the current mix of economic, political, and technological pressures poses serious challenges to domestic stability and international perception. The currency collapse, mass protests, and targeted jamming of satellite communications have collectively pushed the nation into a precarious situation, raising concerns among neighboring countries and global observers.