Tehran ends four-day blackout as authorities say control restored

Iran restored internet access after a four-day blackout, and officials said the government had reestablished control following a crackdown with hundreds of confirmed deaths.

Authorities in Tehran restored wider internet access after a four-day blackout, officials said. The move followed a government crackdown on nationwide protests that officials described as quelled. Iran’s foreign minister accused foreign actors of fomenting the unrest and said authorities had reestablished control. Human rights groups reported much higher casualty estimates, but said verification was difficult during the blackout. Key developments: - Iranian authorities restored internet access after a four-day national blackout, according to official statements. - Foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said the government had regained control and accused foreign elements of stoking the protests. - The article cites 648 confirmed fatalities; Norway-based Iran Human Rights suggested estimates could be much higher but said independent verification was difficult. - Several diplomatic responses were reported: Iranian officials summoned Western envoys, the European Parliament restricted Iranian representation, and France reduced non-essential embassy staff while UK officials issued statements expressing concern. - The report said the US administration indicated it was considering options and that some bilateral contacts were reported. Summary: The restoration of internet access followed officials’ statements that unrest had been quelled, while rights groups reported substantially higher casualty estimates. The situation has prompted diplomatic actions and international statements. Undetermined at this time.