Iran eases some communications restrictions as activists report death toll of 2,000

Iran allowed outbound mobile calls while internet access to the outside world and SMS remained restricted, and activists reported the death toll in recent protests had reached at least 2,000.

Iran has eased a limited set of communications restrictions, allowing mobile phones inside the country to make calls abroad after several days of a wider shutdown. Witnesses said inbound calls, SMS text messaging and access to the international internet remained restricted. Activists reported that the death toll in nationwide protests had reached at least 2,000. Several foreign governments and international bodies have issued statements or taken diplomatic steps in response. Key facts: - Outbound mobile calls from Iran were reported to be allowed again, while inbound calls, SMS texting, and access to the international internet remained blocked, according to witnesses in Tehran. - A U.S.-based activists' group reported the death toll at about 2,000, citing roughly 1,847 protesters and 135 people described as government-affiliated. - European Union leaders announced plans to propose further sanctions on Iranian officials over the handling of the protests, and several countries have summoned Iranian diplomats to express concern. - The U.N. human rights chief publicly called for an end to violence against peaceful protesters and noted concern about reports mentioning expedited death-penalty measures. Summary: The partial restoration of outbound mobile calls is a limited change amid broader communications restrictions, and activists' reports of a death toll near 2,000 have prompted international statements and proposed sanctions. Diplomatic protests and sanctions proposals are among the next stated steps, while whether Iran will further ease communications remains undetermined at this time.