Iran protests weaken after crackdown, internet blackout remains

Protests across Iran have largely subsided following a security crackdown, a week after the country witnessed its largest demonstrations in years. According to report, heavy security deployments, arrests and restrictions on communications have slowed down the protests.

The nationwide internet blackout has, however, now exceeded 180 hours, according to NetBlocks.

The Institute for the Study of War said the protests may have been suppressed for now, but warned that the government’s extensive mobilization of security forces may not be sustainable, leaving open the possibility of retaliation from the protestors leading to a renewed unrest. 

Amnesty International reported that heavily armed patrols were carried out and checkpoints were introduced to suppress the protests.

Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s last shah, called for renewed demonstrations and said he was confident the Islamic republic would eventually fall. 

However, the U.S said it was closely monitoring developments, though the likelihood of immediate military action appears to be unlikely.

Putin, the president of Russia, held talks with Iran’s president in an effort to ease tensions, while the issue was also raised at the UN Security Council, where Masih Alinejad, an Iranian-American activist, stated that Iranians stand united against the current system.