On Tuesday, January 13, reports from AP and CNN indicated that individuals in Iran could make international phone calls, nearly a week after the government enforced an internet blackout on January 8. However, calls from outside Iran to the country remained impossible.
SMS messaging was still non-functional, and internet users within Iran faced difficulties accessing foreign websites, though they had limited connectivity to government-approved sites.
The measures were implemented following over two weeks of protests, which have escalated into the most significant civil unrest Iran has experienced in years. An Iranian official informed Reuters that at least 2,000 people, both security forces and demonstrators, have lost their lives in the turmoil.
Initiated by the rial’s steep decline to 1.48 million against the US dollar on December 28 amidst soaring inflation, the protests started with merchants in Tehran during the last days of 2025 and rapidly spread nationwide, with demonstrations occurring in all 31 provinces and demands for a governmental change.
Also Read: Not the first time: A timeline of Iran’s major protests over the last 30 years
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated on Tuesday that he views the protests as indicative of the “final days and weeks” for Iran’s current clerical regime.
“When a regime can only maintain power through violence, it is effectively doomed. I believe we are witnessing the final days and weeks of this regime,” he remarked to reporters.
US President Donald Trump encouraged protestors to persist and hold their leaders accountable, stating that “help is on the way.”
Trump had previously cautioned the Iranian government against resorting to violence against demonstrators, menacing “military action,” and implementing a 25% tariff on nations that continue engaging with Iran.
Iran’s foreign minister told Al Jazeera that Tehran is ready for any US action, including war, but prefers dialogue over conflict.
