Protesters rally in Zahedan after Friday prayers

The US State Department said on Friday that Iran’s nationwide internet shutdown had entered its second week, accusing the country’s leaders of trying to hide a violent crackdown.

“The total and nationwide internet cutoff in Iran has now entered its second week, more than 190 hours in which the Islamic Republic regime has deliberately cut off the Iranian people from the world,” the department’s Persian-language account said on X.

“Censoring a nation cannot silence their voice for freedom or hide the violent actions of the Islamic Republic regime,” it added. “The world is watching.”

The Munich Security Conference has withdrawn invitations previously sent to Iranian government representatives, and no official from Iran will attend the upcoming event, a conference spokesperson told Iran International on Friday.

The spokesperson said that although invitations had been issued to some Iranian officials weeks ago, they were no longer valid “in light of recent developments” and would not be renewed.

Asked whether the conference might invite representatives from Iran’s opposition or civil society, the spokesperson said organizers were closely monitoring the situation but would not provide further details at this stage of preparations.

Videos received by Iran International showed a heavy security presence around Makki Mosque in the southeastern Iranian city of Zahedan on Friday.

Makki Mosque is the main Sunni place of worship in the city and has in recent years become a focal point for protests and public gatherings.

A group of Iranians living in Melbourne rallied outside Parliament of Victoria on Friday, calling for decisive international action against Iran’s leadership to prevent further killings of protesters, according to videos received by Iran International.

Participants chanted slogans including “We will stand to the end” and “Long live the Shah.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday, the Kremlin said, adding that details of the conversation would be released later.

According to Russian state agencies, the two leaders discussed the situation in Iran and called for swift de-escalation of tensions.

They also reaffirmed their commitment to implementing joint economic projects, RIA news agency reported.

The call followed Putin’s earlier conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about Iran.