Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated on Tuesday that the government-ordered internet shutdown, which has now exceeded four days, was implemented after “terrorist operations” commenced during recent protests.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Araghchi addressed the nationwide blackout, explaining that the internet was cut only when the government determined that external orders were directing violent activities. He noted that prior to the shutdown, “The government was in dialogue with the protesters,” whose demonstrations were initially driven by economic issues.
The foreign minister’s justification contrasts with reports from human rights organizations. These groups allege that the Islamic Republic has blocked internet access to conceal a violent crackdown on demonstrators, which they claim has resulted in the killing of hundreds of people.
