Iranians Regain Limited International Calling Amid Ongoing Internet Blackout During Protests
TEHRAN, Iran — For the first time since a sweeping communications blackout was imposed amid escalating anti-government protests, some Iranians were able to place international phone calls on Tuesday, signaling a slight easing in the regime’s tight control over communications. Residents in the capital reported that calls to numbers outside Iran briefly connected, though text messaging services remained disabled and internet access was confined to government-approved domestic websites.
The partial restoration comes as the Iranian government continues to enforce a heavy security presence across central Tehran. Riot police, units of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and plainclothes officers have been deployed at key locations in an effort to contain widespread unrest sparked by months of demonstrations against the regime.
Despite the limited resumption of international calls, the internet blackout remains largely intact, effectively isolating Iranians from the global digital community. Witnesses confirmed that SMS text messaging services have not been restored, and internet users can only access a curated list of government-approved websites, severely restricting the flow of information.
This communications clampdown is part of a broader strategy by Iranian authorities to suppress dissent and control the narrative surrounding the protests. The United States government has issued warnings to its citizens in Iran, urging caution amid the volatile situation. The U.S. Department of State continues to monitor developments closely, emphasizing the heightened risks for Americans in the country.
Experts have noted that the Iranian regime’s use of internet blackouts and communication restrictions aligns with tactics employed in previous crackdowns to prevent protesters from organizing and sharing information internationally. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and other agencies have highlighted the challenges such measures pose to human rights and the free flow of information.
Meanwhile, the Iranian government’s messaging remains tightly controlled. The regime’s Supreme Leader recently issued direct warnings to the United States, underscoring the tense geopolitical backdrop to the domestic unrest. Analysts suggest that the communications blackout serves both to stifle internal dissent and to limit international scrutiny.
Human rights organizations have condemned the ongoing restrictions, calling for the restoration of full internet access and the protection of citizens’ rights to communicate freely. The Human Rights Watch and other groups continue to document abuses amid the protests, which have overwhelmed hospitals with injuries and led to a rising death toll.
As the situation evolves, the limited reopening of international phone calls may represent a tactical shift by Iranian authorities, balancing the desire to maintain control with the practical needs of some communication. However, the continued internet blackout and SMS shutdowns underscore the regime’s determination to suppress the protests and limit the spread of information both inside and outside Iran.
For now, Iran remains largely cut off from the outside world, with many citizens relying on sporadic phone connections and government-sanctioned digital content to stay informed amid one of the most significant waves of unrest in recent years.
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