People in Iran make contact with outside world and describe street scenes

Some communications were restored and the Associated Press reached witnesses in Tehran who described protests and a strong security presence; state media broadcast a statement from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei praising pro-government demonstrations.

Communications that had been cut in parts of Iran were partially restored on Tuesday, allowing the Associated Press to contact people in Tehran who had been witnessing or taking part in demonstrations. The protests began over economic concerns and soon included direct criticism of the country’s leadership. Witnesses described a strong security presence in central Tehran, damaged government buildings and limited ability to send messages abroad. State television carried a statement from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei praising pro-government rallies and condemning foreign influence. Reported details: - The Associated Press spoke by phone with several people in Tehran after some communications were restored. - Witnesses said messaging to international sites remained restricted and described heavy security and damaged public buildings. - State media aired large pro-government demonstrations and quoted Khamenei calling them a warning to foreign politicians. Summary: Partial restoration of communications allowed outside news organizations to receive firsthand accounts, but access remained limited. The situation continues to be reported as fluid and the next formal steps or international responses are undetermined at this time.