Iran Unrest: Landlines Emerge as Lifeline Amid Internet Blackout, Crackdown

• Iranians are using landline phones to contact relatives abroad amidst a near-total internet blackout and intensified crackdown on protesters.
• US President Donald Trump urged continued protests, warning Iranian officials of consequences for using lethal force and threatening military intervention.
• Relatives abroad received calls describing chaotic protests, security forces firing on demonstrators, and police ordering deletion of surveillance footage.
• The internet shutdown, described as a 'kill switch' by experts, has severely curtailed communication as protests against the clerical leadership expand.
• Digital rights experts caution that landline use carries risks due to lack of security and encryption, while Starlink offers a potential communication channel.

Why It Matters: Landlines become crucial for communication in Iran as internet blackouts and crackdowns intensify protests.