Irans Foreign Minister Blames Protests for Seeking US Intervention

Iran’s Nationwide Internet Ban Continues Amid Ongoing Protests

A nationwide internet ban in Iran has entered its fourth day, with reports indicating limited protest gatherings took place in several neighborhoods of the capital on Sunday night. The demonstrations, which began as a response to rising cost of living, have evolved into nationwide protests and a serious challenge to the government.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told foreign diplomats in Tehran that the situation is now under total control, despite allegations from Iranian media that nationwide protests “turned violent and bloody” to give an excuse for potential military intervention by the US. Araghchi stated that Iran has footage of weapons being distributed to protesters, which authorities will soon release confessions of detainees.

The government has declared three days of national mourning for the “martyrs” killed during the protests, including members of security forces. According to reports, 109 security personnel have been killed in the protests, although the number of demonstrators who have lost their lives is not confirmed.

Iran’s leadership has maintained that the internet blackout will be restored soon, with Foreign Minister Araghchi stating that coordination with the security establishment is underway to achieve this goal. The government has also reported limited “riots” in several neighborhoods, which were intervened and dissolved by security forces.

Human rights organizations have widely criticized the practice of a nationwide internet blackout, describing it as a “national internet blackout”. Some Iranians have developed methods to bypass the restrictions, but fewer videos showing protests on social media have been seen recently due to the shutdown.

Source: Al Jazeera