Iran's Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref announced that the government has taken initial steps to restore internet access, following a near-total blackout that has been in place since the war with the US and Israel erupted in late February. State media reported that President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered the reopening of international internet access.
In a post on X, Aref stated that "the first step toward free and regulated access to cyberspace has been taken," adding that the demands of Iranians "will be fulfilled." Internet monitoring group Netblocks reported partial restoration of connectivity in Iran, based on live data.
Meanwhile, Tehran warned the US against violating the ceasefire, with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) threatening retaliation. Iran's Foreign Ministry accused the US of "continuing its illegal and unjustified actions since the ceasefire" and claimed a "gross violation" in the Hormozgan region. US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it conducted "self-defense strikes" on missile sites and boats in southern Iran.
Israeli forces have begun operating beyond the "Yellow Line" in southern Lebanon, military sources confirmed. Clashes between Israel and Hezbollah continue almost daily despite a ceasefire in effect since April 17. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that the army would intensify strikes against the Iran-backed group.
At least 12 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon, according to state media. The strikes occurred late Monday in the Bekaa Valley. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) did not comment specifically but said it was targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in eastern Lebanon.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a deal with Tehran remains within reach despite new US strikes on Iran. "There were some talks going on in Qatar today, so we'll see if we can make progress," Rubio told reporters during a visit to India. He stated that the Strait of Hormuz "is going to be open one way or the other."
A man was hanged in Iran after being convicted of espionage for Israel. "Gholamreza Khani Shakarab was executed on charges of intelligence cooperation and espionage in favor of the Zionist regime," the Iranian judiciary's Mizan Online website reported. Human rights group Hengaw criticized the lack of transparency in the judicial process.
Source: www.dw.com