Iran was plunged into a complete internet blackout on Thursday night as protests against economic hardship swept the nation. The cause of the blackout is unclear, but NetBlocks first reported the outage. Authorities have previously shut down the internet during protests. Earlier, outages were noted in Kermanshah as protests intensified. The Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights reported at least 45 protesters, including eight children, killed since the protests began in late December. Shopkeepers joined a general strike called by Kurdish groups, closing shops across Kurdish areas and many cities. Protests now cover all 31 provinces. In Fars province, protesters toppled a statue of former Revolutionary Guards commander Qassem Suleimani, a government hero. Iran Human Rights said Wednesday was the bloodiest day with 13 deaths. Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, IHR director, stated, "The evidence shows that the scope of the crackdown is becoming more violent and more extensive every day." Hundreds are injured and over 2,000 arrested. Official media acknowledge at least 21 deaths including security forces. This protest wave is the largest in three years but not as big as 2022's "Woman, Life, Freedom" protests. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian urged restraint, saying, "Any violent or coercive behaviour should be avoided" and called for "dialogue, engagement and listening to the people’s demands." The protests stem from currency collapse and economic pain. The government ended subsidised import exchange rates, pushing grocery prices up. Food prices have risen over 70% and medicine 50% since last year. The government blames external factors, mainly Western sanctions over Iran's nuclear program, and says its tools are limited. Unlike 2022 protests led by Mahsa Amini's death, current unrest lacks a central figure. Exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi urged Iranians to shout from their windows in support at 8 pm on Thursday and Friday. He said, "Based on your response, I will announce the next calls to action." Videos show protesters chanting for Pahlavi, though his support level is unclear. Iran’s security-linked channels warned people not to join Pahlavi’s calls, and drones may watch participants. The crackdown is less fierce than in 2022 but still violent. The government faces internal unrest and external threats, including a US president’s warning to intervene if Iran kills protesters. The US State Department encouraged protesters, sharing videos of some placing Trump stickers on signs. Iran’s military and foreign ministry condemned these comments. Regional tensions remain high. Authorities blame foreign-backed saboteurs for violence, citing incidents like a police colonel stabbed near Tehran and a deadly attack on a police station in Chenaran. The protests show Iran under growing pressure amid a grim economic crisis and political unrest.