Iran's nationwide protests continue as government cuts internet access

Protests have spread across Iran amid economic hardship, while authorities have restricted internet access and rights groups report hundreds of deaths and thousands of arrests.

Iran is experiencing nationwide protests driven by a deepening economic crisis. The government has responded with a security crackdown and broad restrictions on internet access that have limited outside reporting. A U.S.-based rights group reported more than 600 protests across all 31 provinces and cited at least 646 deaths and over 10,700 arrests; Iranian authorities have not provided overall casualty figures. Economic strains cited in reporting include a collapsing rial, high inflation and recent changes to fuel and exchange-rate policies. Reported developments: - More than 600 protests across Iran's 31 provinces were reported by the Human Rights Activists News Agency. - That agency reported at least 646 deaths and over 10,700 arrests, while the Iranian government has not published comprehensive casualty totals. - Authorities imposed broad internet restrictions that have hindered independent verification; some international phone calls were reported to have been restored later. - The demonstrations began over economic grievances and broadened to include anti-government chants; Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said "rioters must be put in their place." Summary: The unrest highlights significant economic pressure on Iran and has coincided with a government-imposed communications blackout and reports of large-scale arrests and fatalities. Full verification is limited by the restrictions on reporting and the communications shutdown. Undetermined at this time.