Iran Eases Communications Restrictions as Protest Death Toll Mounts

Human rights organizations say hundreds of people have died in the demonstrations that have rocked the Islamic Republic since December.

Iranians block a street in Tehran during ongoing nationwide mass protests on Jan. 9, 2026. East Images/AFP via Getty Images

The Iranian regime eased some restrictions on communications on Jan. 13 as the death toll of ongoing protests soared into the hundreds.

Tehran allowed Iranians to make calls abroad but not receive them, while maintaining restrictions on texting and internet use that have been in place for days, according to people in Tehran who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal.