Iran Faces Tensions Amidst Nuclear Deal Warnings, Protests, and Internet Restrictions
Tensions surrounding Iran escalated as the United States issued warnings regarding its nuclear program, while internal unrest and internet restrictions continued to impact the country. U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran that "time is running out" to negotiate a deal on its nuclear program, according to BBC World, as the U.S. military built up forces in the Gulf. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded that the country's armed forces were prepared to "immediately and powerfully respond" to any aggression, as reported by BBC World.
Trump stated that a "massive Armada" was "moving quickly, with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose" towards Iran, referring to a large U.S. naval fleet. Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.
Meanwhile, inside Iran, some citizens were beginning to regain internet access after a near three-week shutdown, but access appeared to be tightly controlled, according to BBC World. The country cut off internet access on January 8th, in what is widely seen as an attempt to stem the flow of information about a government crackdown on protesters. Araghchi stated that the internet was blocked in response to what he described as "terrorist operations," according to BBC World. Independent analysis indicated that much of the country was still effectively cut off from the outside world.
The internet shutdown coincided with ongoing protests within Iran. BBC World reported that some protesters were avoiding hospitals for treatment due to fear of arrest. One protester, identified as Tara, said she and a friend were shot at by security forces during a protest in Isfahan. "My friend told an armed member of the security forces, 'Just don't shoot us,' and he immediately fired several shots at us," Tara said. She added that they were too frightened to go to a hospital.
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