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Reza Pahlavi Calls Protests Amid Blackout, Starlink Death, $38M Loss

5/13/2026

40 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi announced Sunday demonstrations despite a 70-day internet blackout.
The regime sells SIM cards and Pro Internet for 40,000 tomans per gigabyte, while VPNs cost up to 1 million tomans (~$6).
Security forces beat 40-year-old Hesam Alaeddin to death after he used Starlink, whose kits now exceed $5,000.
Economist Hassan Mansur reported a $37.7 million loss and a 50%-90% revenue decline affecting 70% of businesses.

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Story summary

Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi announced Sunday demonstrations despite a 70-day internet blackout.
The regime sells SIM cards and Pro Internet for 40,000 tomans per gigabyte, while VPNs cost up to 1 million tomans (~$6).
Security forces beat 40-year-old Hesam Alaeddin to death after he used Starlink, whose kits now exceed $5,000.
Economist Hassan Mansur reported a $37.7 million loss and a 50%-90% revenue decline affecting 70% of businesses.