ASSOCIATED PRESS – (WBAP/KLIF) – Iran has banned government officials and their bodyguards from using all communication devices linked to the networks. The ban, announced Tuesday, includes mobile phones, smart watches and laptops.
Iran did not elaborate on the reason for the ban, which was reported by the semiofficial Fars news agency. However, it suggests Iran suspects Israel used digital signatures from electronics to launch its strikes, which have decimated Iran’s military leadership.
Iran appeared to be slowly restricting access for the public to the outside world on Tuesday night as landline telephones appeared to be no longer able to receive or dial international phone calls.
International websites as well appeared to be restricted for internet users. However, local websites appeared to be functioning. That likely signals Iran has turned on its so-called “halal net,” Iran’s own locally controlled version of the internet aimed at restricting what the public can see.
Residents of Iran’s capital were seen leaving the city and shops and the historic Grand Bazaar were closed Tuesday — the fifth day of the intensifying conflict started by Israel — hours after U.S. President Donald Trump urged the immediate evacuation of Tehran in an ominous social media post.
“It looks like no one is living in this city,” one resident told The Associated Press by phone.
Iranian authorities insist everything is under control and no guidance has been issued, even as witnesses in Tehran say sirens blare every few hours and people rush for shelter amid ongoing Israeli attacks. On the roads out of Tehran to the west, traffic stood bumper to bumper, and long lines also could be seen at gas stations.
The streets of the Iranian capital are nearly deserted, police are using loudspeakers to tell people to stay indoors, and emergency travel is the only exception, according to one resident, an Afghan store worker.
On the conflict’s second day, he saw an Israeli missile strike a government building, sending glass, office furniture, documents and other debris into the road below. A second strike minutes later set the building ablaze.
In the past day, he said a missile hit a residential tower, injuring women and children. Rescue teams pulled victims from the rubble.
“Many civilians were killed and injured in the first two days,” he said, adding that most residents have now fled. Messaging apps remain unreliable. He spoke to The Associated Press over the phone, declining to give his name for fear of reprisals.
Trump left the Group of Seven summit in Canada a day early to deal with the conflict between Israel and Iran, telling reporters on Air Force One during the flight back to Washington: “I’m not looking at a ceasefire. We’re looking at better than a ceasefire.” Several measures have been introduced to Congress, with authors hoping President Trump will cede to Congress any joining of the war beween Israel and Iran.
BREAKING: President Trump says “We now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran. Trump to meet with his National Security Council. This story is developing.
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