Iran shuts down internet as protests spread, buildings set ablaze

Iran – (Special Correspondent / Web Desk) – Iran was largely cut off from the outside world on Friday after authorities shut down internet and phone services to curb widening anti-government protests, as videos showed buildings and vehicles set on fire in several cities.

Flights between Iran and the United Arab Emirates were cancelled, while phone calls into the country failed to connect, adding to signs of Iran’s growing isolation as unrest spread nationwide.

In a televised address, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed not to back down, accusing protesters of acting at the behest of exiled opposition groups and the United States. Rights groups, meanwhile, reported that security forces opened fire on demonstrators in southern parts of the country.

Although the current unrest has not mobilised as many segments of society as previous protest movements over the past 15 years, dozens of people are reported to have been killed. Analysts say the authorities appear more vulnerable due to a worsening economic crisis and the fallout from last year’s war with Israel and the United States.

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The protests initially erupted over economic grievances, including soaring inflation — which crossed 40 per cent in December — and the sharp depreciation of the rial, which lost about half its value against the dollar last year. However, the demonstrations have since evolved into open political dissent, with slogans directly targeting the ruling establishment.