Partial online services, including ride-hailing apps, resumed in Iran on Saturday morning after a nationwide internet blackout since Thursday evening, according to Li Jiannan, a CMG reporter in Tehran. While domestic connectivity shows tentative recovery, international calls remain blocked, and internet access stays restricted. Li reported via satellite phone that supermarkets in the capital maintain stable supplies of essentials like rice and oil, easing immediate concerns about shortages.
Protests initially sparked by economic grievances have persisted across the country, with Li citing eyewitness accounts of escalating riots in some regions. Iranian authorities attribute the violence to foreign interference, alleging U.S.- and Israel-funded agitators infiltrated demonstrations. Government officials urge citizens to avoid provocation, framing the unrest as a geopolitical trap.
Despite the challenges, Tehran’s daily life shows resilience, with key infrastructure functioning. Analysts suggest the partial service restoration reflects efforts to balance security concerns with economic stability ahead of anticipated diplomatic talks with APEC members this quarter.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com