Sun Jan 25 16:57:27 UTC 2026: # Iranian President’s Son Calls for Internet Restoration Amidst Protests

The Story:

In the midst of widespread anti-government protests and a government-imposed internet blackout in Iran, Yousef Pezeshkian, son of President Masoud Pezeshkian and a government advisor, has publicly called for the restoration of internet connectivity. The internet has been shut down since January 8, 2026, amidst major protests, leading to a deadly crackdown. Yousef Pezeshkian argues that the continued blackout is exacerbating public dissatisfaction and widening the gap between the people and the government.

He acknowledged concerns about the circulation of videos related to violent protests but argued that transparency is the best approach. While blaming foreign interference for the violent turn of the protests, he also conceded that security forces may have made mistakes.

Key Points:

  • Yousef Pezeshkian, son of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, urged the government to restore internet connectivity.
  • Internet access has been blocked since January 8, 2026, amid widespread anti-government protests.
  • Rights groups estimate the death toll from the crackdown on protesters to be several thousand, potentially exceeding 25,000, while the Iranian government puts the toll at 3,117.
  • Yousef Pezeshkian criticized the logic of keeping the internet shut down, stating that transparency is better than censorship.
  • He acknowledged potential mistakes by security forces during the protests.

Key Takeaways:

  • The call for internet restoration from within the President’s family suggests a potential internal debate within the Iranian government regarding its handling of the protests.
  • The government faces a dilemma: restoring internet access may fuel further protests, but continuing the blackout risks increasing public resentment.
  • The discrepancy in death toll figures between the government and human rights organizations highlights the challenges of obtaining accurate information during periods of state-imposed media restrictions.
  • The Iranian government is attempting to frame the narrative by labeling members of the security forces and innocent bystanders as “martyrs” as opposed to “rioters”.

Impact Analysis:

The Iranian government’s response to Yousef Pezeshkian’s call will be crucial. A decision to restore internet access could signal a shift in approach toward greater transparency and engagement with public grievances. Conversely, continued suppression could further escalate tensions and risk long-term instability. The event highlights the ongoing struggle between authoritarian control and the demand for greater freedom and accountability within Iranian society. The long-term ramifications depend on how the Iranian government handles the situation.

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