As an exiled Iranian who’s been forced out of my country and even kicked out of university because of my political activism and fighting for freedom, I see the responsibly to spread the wolrd about what a brutal regime is doing to my people and country. My own family and friends are trapped there and the the regime has shut down the entire digital infrastructure.

These protests started late last December over the collapsing economy-inflation through the roof, the rial worthless, people struggling just to eat. But it’s exploded into something much bigger: millions in the streets across cities like Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, and even smaller towns, chanting against the regime. “Death to the dictator,” calls for freedom, even invoking Reza Pahlavi as a symbol of a better Iran. It’s the biggest uprising since 2022’s Woman, Life, Freedom movement, and it’s spreading fast despite everything. milloins are on the streets over more than 50 cities.

But the regime… God, they’re ruthless. Security forces and IRGC are using live ammunition, tear gas, everything to crush it. Rights groups are reporting at least 45 people killed so far, including kids, and thousands arrested. They’ve even raided hospitals to drag out injured protesters. It’s horrifying. And now, as of yesterday, they’ve plunged the whole country into a total internet blackout—no mobile data, no phone lines, nothing. It’s been over 16 hours with Iran completely cut off from the world. This isn’t new; they did it in 2019 to hide the massacre of over 1,500 people. When they shut down communications like this, it’s because they’re preparing to do terrible things in the dark.

I know this pain too well. I was persecuted for speaking out, lost my education, and couldn’t go back. So many young people, students like I was, are out there risking everything because there’s no future under this tyranny. They’re brave beyond words, but they’re isolated now. The regime wants to silence them, hide the bloodshed.

We can’t let that happen. The world needs to step up urgently. Please, pressure governments to condemn this and impose real sanctions. Embassies in Iran should open their doors, share their internet connections with people nearby so they can get word out and coordinate safely. Elon Musk, if you’re reading this-activate Starlink over Iran, give them a lifeline like you talked about before. Leaders like President Trump, who’ve spoken about supporting Iranians, now’s the time to back those words with action.

This could be the moment the regime falls. The people are fed up, fearless. But they need us to amplify their voices while they’re in the dark.

If you care about freedom, share this. Tag officials, media, anyone who can help. Speak up for my people. #IranProtests #DigitalBlackoutIran #WomanLifeFreedom

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Javid Iran.