Iran internet shutdown continues with limited access for select groups

The Islamic Revolutionary Guards warned on Monday that maritime movements violating their announced rules about the Strait of Hormuz would face serious risks, Iran’s state media reported.

Vessels that breach those rules would be stopped “with force,” according to the statement.

It added that shipping companies and transport insurers should pay attention to IRGC notices.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards navy unveiled a new map on Monday showing what it described as the Strait of Hormuz area controlled and managed by Iran’s armed forces, Iran's state media reported.

The IRGC navy said the area extends from a line between Kuh-e Mobarak in Iran and south of Fujairah in the UAE, and from another line between the end of Iran’s Qeshm Island and Umm Al Quwain in the UAE.

It was not immediately clear whether or how much their claimed area of control had changed.

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Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei accused the United Arab Emirates of alignment with the country’s adversaries, which he said had created many problems.

“We have witnessed inappropriate behavior by the United Arab Emirates over the past 50 days, including its alignment with the aggressors, which created many problems, and we hope countries in the region have learned the necessary lessons from these developments,” he said.

He also commented on the UAE's decision to leave OPEC, saying the measure was not constructive.

As Iran has experienced a systematic disruption of the international internet for 65 days, access to the free flow of information has turned into a luxury and a symbol of structural inequality, a crisis that has triggered a new wave of migration – migration for internet access.

One consequence of the shutdown has been the emergence of short-term, urgent migration to countries such as Armenia and Turkey. Individuals whose businesses depend on global markets have been forced to temporarily leave the country to preserve their livelihoods.

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Iran’s foreign ministry said on Monday that the country’s armed forces knew how to respond to US threats, after US President Donald Trump announced Project Freedom to help stranded vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

“The Islamic Republic has shown that it considers itself the guardian and protector of the Strait of Hormuz,” foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said.

He added that the United States continued to make excessive and unlimited demands in dealings with Tehran.

“The United States’ habit of excessive and unlimited demands does not end,” he said.

Baghaei also said Iran had received the US response through Pakistan and was reviewing it.

“But we are facing a side whose position changes every day,” he said.

He added that the United States should have learned by now that it could not use “the language of threats and force” against Iran.

Baghaei said any agreement with the United States must also include Israel, stressing that Tehran’s policy had not changed and it does not recognize Israel.