International Calls Resume in Iran Amidst Heavy Security, Damage, and Ongoing Protests

• International phone calls resumed in Iran after more than three days, but internet and texting restrictions remain.
• Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) verified 648 deaths, including nine minors, with estimates suggesting over 6,000 fatalities.
• A near-total internet shutdown for over three and a half days is hindering documentation of violence and concealing the crackdown's extent.
• Witnesses described heavy security, including anti-riot police and Basij force members with firearms, in central Tehran.
• Banks and government offices were gutted by fire, ATMs smashed, and banks struggled with transactions due to internet blockade.

Why It Matters: Iran restores international calls amidst protests, heavy security, and significant damage, while internet restrictions persist.