Iran Reopens Phone Lines, But Internet Blackout and Crackdown Continue

Iran has restored international telephone calls after a four-day nationwide communications blackout. The blackout was part of a severe security crackdown on widespread protests. Hundreds of people have been killed during the unrest, according to reports from human rights groups. The protests were triggered by the death of a young woman in police custody. While phone lines are now open, access to the global internet remains heavily restricted inside Iran. The government has not said when full internet service will return. The ongoing disruption makes verifying events on the ground extremely difficult for media and observers outside the country.