In Iran, the Internet was shut down amid protests

As reported by Deutsche Welle, Iran has experienced an almost complete internet shutdown due to protests triggered by a sharp decline in the value of the rial. The British organization NetBlocks indicated a state of "almost complete nationwide internet blackout." Internet traffic in the country, according to Cloudflare, decreased by 90% on January 8.

Information suggests that internet access remains only for government officials and security forces, reports dpa.

Against this backdrop, U.S. President Donald Trump, in an interview with Salem News Channel, reiterated threats against the Iranian authorities: "I have made it very clear that we will act firmly if they start killing people, as often happens during their unrest," he stated, noting that Iranians are "brave people." Trump emphasized that his administration is closely monitoring the developments.

Recall that mass protests in Iran began on December 28 at the main bazaar in Tehran, where shop owners closed their stores in protest against hyperinflation and sharp price fluctuations.

On December 29, the exchange rate of the Iranian rial set a new record low (one rial was approximately equal to 0.002 som). According to the World Bank, in October, the level of food inflation in Iran reached 64.2%, second only to South Sudan in the anti-rating.

On January 8, protesters blocked one of Tehran's main highways - Ayatollah Kashani Boulevard. Mass demonstrations are also reported in Mashhad, Kermanshah, and other major cities. Security forces are using tear gas against the demonstrators, according to the dpa agency citing eyewitnesses.

According to the latest data from the Norwegian organization Iran Human Rights, at least 45 protesters have died during the protests, including eight minors. Earlier, Iranian authorities and media reported 21 fatalities, including among security forces.

Photo on the main page: dw.com.