The son of Iran's president, Yousef Pezeshkian, has urged authorities to restore the internet following a protest blackout, warning that shutting down the digital realm would only postpone the issue and exacerbate dissatisfaction among Iranians.
In a Telegram post, Pezeshkian acknowledged that the government's attempt to restrict internet access was not foolproof. "This means those who were not and are not dissatisfied will be added to the list of the dissatisfied," he wrote. He also noted that releasing videos showing the violence during protests would eventually have to occur, as shutting down the internet would only delay the inevitable.
The move comes amid a power struggle within Iran's government about the risks associated with blocking the country from the internet. Pezeshkian is echoing his father's stance, who has taken steps to address economic issues and other concerns.
Meanwhile, protests have turned violent in various parts of the country. Human rights groups estimate that thousands of protesters, including children, have died. Iranian journalists are reporting that shops and newspapers near government-affiliated outlets are struggling to stay afloat due to declining sales.
Experts say the internet shutdown has had significant economic costs for Iran, with estimates suggesting losses of up to $20 million per day. Traders claim they can only access the internet for short periods each day, hindering their ability to conduct business.
As tensions continue, some Iranians blame US President Donald Trump for not providing support he promised during protests. "He betrayed us," said one protester. "Trump is more hateful to me than the supreme leader... because his ideology and tactics are clear."
The Iranian government faces mounting criticism over its handling of the crisis, with many expressing disappointment in the authorities' inability to address pressing issues. The situation highlights ongoing concerns about Iran's human rights record and governance.
In a Telegram post, Pezeshkian acknowledged that the government's attempt to restrict internet access was not foolproof. "This means those who were not and are not dissatisfied will be added to the list of the dissatisfied," he wrote. He also noted that releasing videos showing the violence during protests would eventually have to occur, as shutting down the internet would only delay the inevitable.
The move comes amid a power struggle within Iran's government about the risks associated with blocking the country from the internet. Pezeshkian is echoing his father's stance, who has taken steps to address economic issues and other concerns.
Meanwhile, protests have turned violent in various parts of the country. Human rights groups estimate that thousands of protesters, including children, have died. Iranian journalists are reporting that shops and newspapers near government-affiliated outlets are struggling to stay afloat due to declining sales.
Experts say the internet shutdown has had significant economic costs for Iran, with estimates suggesting losses of up to $20 million per day. Traders claim they can only access the internet for short periods each day, hindering their ability to conduct business.
As tensions continue, some Iranians blame US President Donald Trump for not providing support he promised during protests. "He betrayed us," said one protester. "Trump is more hateful to me than the supreme leader... because his ideology and tactics are clear."
The Iranian government faces mounting criticism over its handling of the crisis, with many expressing disappointment in the authorities' inability to address pressing issues. The situation highlights ongoing concerns about Iran's human rights record and governance.
I'm getting so tired of hearing about the situation in Iran... it's just devastating to think about all those innocent lives lost, especially kids 
. And the economic impact? Forgetting about it is impossible 
. The internet shutdown has caused such a ripple effect, hurting small businesses and even journalists trying to make ends meet 
.
. But we have to be careful not to blame one person for the complexities of a country's problems... it's just so much bigger than that 
. The Iranian government needs to take responsibility for their actions and figure out ways to address these pressing issues without restricting freedom 
.
. Until then, I'll just keep sharing info like me, trying to spread awareness and understanding 
.
... thousands of ppl died during protests? 
it's like, we can't even imagine what they & their families are going thru right now. pezeshkian's dad should really take a closer look at the situation instead of just saying they'll figure it out eventually... i mean, shutting down the internet isn't gonna solve anything 
. and $20 million in losses daily? that's crazy 
. And what's with all these experts saying Iran is losing $$$ per day because of it? Like, who cares about their economy when thousands of protesters are dying?! 
. And btw, blaming one person for all this stuff? Not fair to Trump, dude... he's not even there anymore 
. The gov't needs to step up their game and start listening to the people 
!
. and the kids... oh god, thousands of kids have died 
. it's just not right.
. the fact that there's this huge power struggle within the government is like, totally on top of a volcano waiting to erupt 
Shutting down the internet's just gonna push people back underground, makin' it harder for them to report human rights abuses. And now they're losin' $$$ left and right... $20 million a day is no joke 
Trump might not be on their side, but at least he's bein' real about it 
!