Iran Under Internet Blackout Faces Uncertain Future Ahead

Tehran, Iran - A state-imposed communications blackout has been in place for over a week, affecting most of Iran’s 90 million-strong population. The blackout began on January 8, as protests swelled into mass demonstrations against the clerical leadership. Mobile communications were also blocked, and people were unable to call rescue services.

The government restored an intranet providing access to local websites and services several days after the blackout started. However, it is unclear when or to what extent access to the global internet will be restored. Local phone services have been partially restored, with only outgoing international calls reconnected since Tuesday. The state continues to send one-way text messages to people across the country, urging them not to fall victim to “enemies” and to report suspicious activity.

The death toll from clashes between protesters and government forces is disputed. The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported 2,615 deaths on Wednesday, but Iran’s government claims this figure is an exaggeration. In a recent interview with Fox News, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abbas Araghchi denied any plans to execute protesters and downplayed the death toll.

Iranian authorities claim that “terrorists” and “elements” trained and armed by the US, Israel, and their allies are behind the mass killings and attacks on government buildings and public property. The Iranian authorities have not confirmed the deaths of protesters at the hands of state forces but claim that members of the Iranian forces were killed.

The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting on Thursday, with Iranian authorities placing blame for the deaths on the US and Israel. The UN has emphasized that violence must not be used against protesters, while opposing any form of armed intervention amid concerns about potential attacks by US President Donald Trump.

A heavy presence of security forces is currently on the streets, with numerous checkpoints and armed patrols set up. The government has organized massive counter-demonstrations across the country in recent days.

Source: Al Jazeera