Iran: Some people report first calls abroad since crackdown

Some residents in Tehran were able to place mobile calls abroad after several days of imposed communications limits during a nationwide crackdown; SMS texting and access to internet sites outside Iran remain restricted.

Some residents in Tehran were able to make mobile calls abroad on Tuesday after several days of imposed communications limits during a nationwide crackdown. Witnesses said SMS text messaging remained down and that internet users could connect only to government-approved local sites. The witnesses described a heavy security presence in central Tehran and spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal. Activists have said at least 646 people have been killed amid the protests. Key developments: - Some Tehran residents could place mobile calls abroad after several days of disrupted communications. - SMS texting and international internet access remained restricted; reporters said some callers could reach journalists but could not receive return calls. - Witnesses reported a heavy security presence in central Tehran and raids in some northern neighborhoods looking for satellite equipment, and said some shops were ordered to reopen. - Activists reported at least 646 people killed during the protests, and witnesses spoke anonymously for safety reasons. Summary: The limited restoration of outbound mobile calls provides partial information from inside Iran but major restrictions on messaging and international internet access persist, keeping the situation uncertain. Undetermined at this time.