Iran has begun restoring internet access after nearly two weeks of severe restrictions, a move analysts say is aimed at signalling that authorities believe the nationwide unrest is now under control.
Mehran Kamrava of Georgetown University in Qatar said the shutdown was designed to halt mass mobilisation on the streets. He added that reopening access is part of a broader strategy to present an image of stability both to the Iranian public and to foreign governments. “They want to show the situation is contained,” he told Al Jazeera, noting that Iran’s leadership is operating in “crisis management mode.”
The easing of controls comes as protest activity appears to be declining. The Critical Threats Project at the Institute for the Study of War reported a clear drop in demonstrations on Sunday, attributing it to tightened internet blocks and action taken to prevent the use of Starlink satellite services.
At the same time, authorities have moved to show public support for the state. Large pro-government rallies took place across several cities after officials urged people to join what was described as a “national resistance march.” Al Jazeera reporters in Tehran said tens of thousands attended an event in the capital, with another rally expected in Ngalabi Square.
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has accused unnamed actors of pushing nationwide protests toward violence in an effort to give former US President Donald Trump a pretext to intervene. Araghchi made the allegation while briefing foreign diplomats in Tehran, though he offered no evidence to support the claim.
His comments came as activists reported at least 544 people killed in the unrest, most of them demonstrators. Internet access across Iran remains heavily restricted, leaving independent verification difficult.
The political atmosphere remains tense. Araghchi has escalated his rhetoric, describing the unrest as a “terrorist war” rather than demonstrations.
He also said Iran was “ready for war but also for dialogue,” as Tehran accuses Washington of threatening military action. China weighed in on Monday, saying it opposed any foreign interference in Iran’s internal affairs.
Donald Trump said Tehran had reached out to discuss possible talks, even as he threatened military action over the crackdown. He told reporters that the United States was reviewing a range of responses, including cyberattacks and direct strikes.
“The military is looking at it,” Trump said, warning that any Iranian retaliation would be met with force. He said a meeting with Iranian officials was being arranged but added that the situation on the ground could prompt US action before any talks take place.
Iran has pushed back sharply. The country’s parliamentary speaker warned that US or Israeli forces would be considered “legitimate targets” if Washington intervenes to protect protesters.
Iran’s parliamentary speaker responded by saying US and Israeli forces would be treated as “legitimate targets” if Washington attempts to protect demonstrators.
Conflicting casualty figures continue to circulate. State media say more than 100 security personnel have been killed. Activists abroad say the overall toll is far higher, reporting more than 500 deaths, most of them protesters. More than 10,600 people have been arrested, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. With communication lines restricted and independent reporting limited, none of the figures can be verified.
Inside Tehran, residents describe a climate of fear. Streets empty shortly after dusk, and security agencies have sent mass text messages warning families to keep young people indoors. Messages attributed to the Revolutionary Guard’s intelligence arm labelled protesters as collaborators with “terrorist mercenaries.”
The unrest began on December 28 after a sharp fall in the value of the rial, which has plummeted to more than 1.4 million to the dollar. Economic frustration quickly turned into calls challenging the country’s political leadership, creating one of the most serious crises the government has faced in years.
Iran has announced three days of national mourning for those it calls “martyrs,” including members of the security forces. Pro-government rallies and the gradual restoration of the internet suggest authorities are trying to project confidence, even as the political fallout continues to unfold.
Source: Al Jazeera, UNB/AP