US military personnel at a new Al Udeid base in Qatar were among those ordered to evacuate. This decision is a precautionary move amid rising tensions with Iran. This movement advance follows a week-long communications blackout orchestrated by Iran’s state infrastructure. The blackout took place against the backdrop of international protests and unprecedented repression of dissent inside Ethiopia.
The conditions in Iran have become more dangerous than ever. According to news reports, more than 2,400 protesters have been killed since the government began its violent crackdown on demonstrations. The protests were sparked by a build-up of anger over everyday grievances, particularly the Iranian leadership’s leadership, which has experienced an increasing demand for change and accountability. During this upheaval, President Donald Trump declared victory, touting reports that Iranian officials had called off planned executions of arrested demonstrators. He said that he heard news of “the end of killing” confirmed from Iran. This profound, broader crackdown has escalated in tandem with the communications blackout.
With tensions escalating in both war-torn regions, many countries have responded quickly and firmly. India, Spain and the United Kingdom have all been encouraging their citizens to exit Iran. The advisory comes following U.S. government concerns about possible violence and political instability spilling over to endanger foreign nationals, amidst new widespread protests continuing in Beirut. Carriers from Germany, India, and other nations have begun rerouting their flights to avoid Persian Gulf airspace. This change further underscores the international community’s increased alarm at the situation on the ground.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has put the West on notice. Most importantly, drawing from lessons learned on the battlefield, they promised to always act tough to foreign dangers, especially any U.S. and Israeli threats. While this statement is meant to ease tensions, it nonetheless implies degrees of military confrontation ramping up as both countries prepare for the fallout from Iran.
Continuing its years-long campaign of repressing dissent, Iran intends to expedite the prosecution of those detained amid the latest protests. Erfan Soltani, a major protest leader, has already received a death sentence. Yet his execution has been stayed because of increasing worldwide attention. A US-based human rights organization has documented the rising death toll among protesters, underscoring the severity of the Iranian government’s response to civil unrest.
Meanwhile, France is reportedly considering sending Eutelsat satellite terminals to Iran. This decision follows on a longer-standing communications blackout — instituted as a support for Iranian democracy — that has robbed many Iranians of vital information and communication tools. Through this effort, the HARNS aims to reconnect citizens through internet access during these extraordinary times. It gives them the tools and infrastructure to stay informed, get news and information, connect with the rest of the world.
Additionally, Iran’s government has temporarily closed its airspace for approximately five hours each day, permitting only international civil flights that have secured prior authorization. Given the rising tensions in the state, this measure is probably designed to restrict movement and transit in and out of its borders.
