Despite the internet blackout dubbed Tucker Carlson clips appear to be playing on loop.

10:53, Fri, Jan 9, 2026 Updated: 10:55, Fri, Jan 9, 2026

Iran protests

Iran has shut down internet across the entire country (Image: AP)

Despite Iran shutting down the internet across the entire country, clips of controversial American right-wing commentator Tucker Carlson clips were simultaneously playing on loop. Footage of Carlson, a former Fox News host in America, appearing on a 24/7 news channel in Iran is circulating on social media.

It comes amid thousands taking to the streets in anti-regime protests raging across the Islamic Republic. Protesters chanted slogans against the country's clerical rulers that included "death to the dictator" and "death to the Islamic Republic" whilst also ripping down Iranian flags. In response, Iran has been hit by an internet blackout as the Islamic Republic tries to contain protests across the nation that escalated overnight.

Tucker Carlson

Dubbed Tucker Carlson clips appear to be playing on loop (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

And now social media users claim Iran’s state broadcaster was airing dubbed interviews in Persian with US television host Tucker Carlson, though the purpose of the broadcast remains unclear.

Mr Carlson has adopted a more supportive tone toward Iran in recent months, even interviewing President Masoud Pezeshkian in July.

One user said: The X user said: "So the Islamic regime is literally showing Tucker Carlson clips in Persian on their 24/7 news channel."

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BREAKING: The Islamic Republic regime has shut off the internet, blocked phone calls and any communication with the outside world.

They simultaneously are playing clips of Tucker Carlson praising the regime on loop.

Definition of a useful idiot.
pic.twitter.com/16gTebNJLC

— Eyal Yakoby (@EYakoby) January 8, 2026

I kid you not—the radical Islamic terror regime in Iran is broadcasting Tucker Carlson as the nation teeters on the brink of collapse. Tehran isn’t airing this by accident. Congratulations Tucker on mutating into a terror approved mouthpiece for the enemies of America, Israel and… pic.twitter.com/Ihhw2uiZNH

— Daniel Cohen (@DanielCohenTV) January 9, 2026

Another X user said: "I kid you not—the radical Islamic terror regime in Iran is broadcasting Tucker Carlson as the nation teeters on the brink of collapse.

"Tehran isn’t airing this by accident. Congratulations Tucker on mutating into a terror approved mouthpiece for the enemies of America, Israel and the world."

"Tucker Carlson’s interviews are now playing on Iranian state TV on loop. Think about that. While Iranians are risking their lives in the streets for freedom, the regime is using Carlson’s clips as propaganda to portray itself as the 'victim', added a third.

The current unrest — the largest wave of dissent in three years — began last month in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, where shopkeepers protested the sharp collapse of the rial. The demonstrations have since spread nationwide as anger grows over soaring inflation.