The US Department of State has accused the Iranian authorities of choosing the path of “silence and isolation” instead of a real solution to the internal problems occurring in the country.
Modern.az reports that it was noted in a statement published in Persian on the X social network by the US Department of State that the long-term restrictions imposed on the internet clearly demonstrate official Tehran's distrust in its own legitimacy.
The statement recalled that Iranian officials had previously announced that the internet would be restricted until at least the end of March. According to US estimates, Iranian society has been living in a state of de facto “digital isolation” for more than 216 hours.
According to information received from local sources, daily life has significantly weakened in Tehran and other cities, including Yazd. It is reported that many shops have ceased operations, and people are refraining from going out into the streets amidst pressure and threats.
At the same time, it is alleged that security forces have been deployed in hospitals and medical centers, and there are individuals wounded as a result of firearm use who require serious operations. The reports also note that the authorities are obstructing mourning ceremonies and demanding payment for the return of the bodies of the deceased to their families.
The "Tasnim" agency, close to the official position, stated that the internet blockade is in line with “international practice”, but did not specify which standards were being referred to. The "Fars" agency, on the other hand, wrote that private correspondence and group chats would only be accessible via national messengers.
Videos circulating on social networks reportedly show harsh intervention by law enforcement agencies during the suppression of protests, including firing at detained individuals from close range. Official bodies have not commented on these images.
According to one local resident, a large portion of those participating in the protests have already been detained, and the security situation has been restored. However, he emphasized that there is serious dissatisfaction with the rising inflation in the country, but the suppression of protests with such harsh methods is not unequivocally accepted by society.
The "Mehr" agency reported that the internet has been partially restored for some users after being completely cut off during the unrest.
