The Iranian government shut down the Iranian internet as violent rioting spread into Tehran and other major cities. As of this writing, the internet has been partially restored, but only for some government and selected news sites, apparently including PressTV. “The internet has not just been ‘cut,’ it was completely turned off—even Iranian government websites have gone offline,” Middle East Spectator wrote on its Telegram channel late last night, Tehran time. “Every single app, website, or service based in Iran is currently offline. By order of the cyberspace command.”
The IRGC Intelligence Organization issued a statement in the morning of Jan. 9, warning that “the continuation of the current situation is unacceptable, and the blood of the victims of the recent terrorist incidents is on the hands of its planners. The people of Iran consider it their right to compensate and prevent the spread of insecurity.”
“The IRGC Intelligence Organization, in coordination with the responsible authorities, is monitoring and addressing the livelihood and real problems of our dear people and dealing with possible negligence,” it said further. “Having said this, we consider the protection of the achievements of the Islamic Revolution and the preservation of societal security as a red line. And we stand alongside the dear nation of Iran until the complete defeat of the enemy’s plots and the establishment and provision of security for the citizens.”
