Internet blackout as anti-Government unrest enters 12th night in Iran

Authorities in Iran imposed a nationwide internet blackout as anti-government protests entered their 12th night, and both rights groups and officials reported fatalities and large numbers of arrests.

Iranian authorities imposed a nationwide internet blackout as anti-government protests entered their 12th night. The demonstrations began with a shutdown at the Tehran bazaar after the rial fell sharply and have since spread across many cities. Rights groups and state-linked outlets gave differing accounts of fatalities and arrests as security forces responded. Iran's president called for restraint while some foreign officials expressed concern. Key facts: - Netblocks reported live metrics indicating a nationwide internet blackout in Iran. - Protests continued into the night and were reported across multiple provinces and university campuses. - Rights groups and Iranian media reported deaths and large numbers of arrests, with counts differing between sources. - The movement began after a bazaar shutdown following a sharp fall in the rial and included calls for wider strikes in some areas. - Iran's president urged restraint and some international officials condemned the reported use of force. Summary: The internet blackout limits independent reporting and complicates verification of events on the ground. Reported fatalities and arrests indicate the security response is having serious consequences. Undetermined at this time.