Shotlist Tehran, Iran - Jan 13, 2026 1. Amateur video footage showing designated area for media personnel to transmit reports 2. SOUNDBITE (English) Sepehr Saremi, correspondent, China Global Television Network (CGTN): "The situation is still very complex and complicated. Though I have to say, in the past 72 hours, Tehran has been peaceful and quiet. But the main, the challenging issue, especially for reporters, for journalists, for correspondents, for so many businesses in Tehran, is that we have no access to the international internet. Even some internal messaging applications are not functioning." Karaj, Alborz Province, Iran - Jan 11, 2026 3. Various of traffic, streets Tehran, Iran - Jan 13, 2026 4. SOUNDBITE (English) Sepehr Saremi, correspondent, China Global Television Network (CGTN): "Today, just a few hours ago, I found out that the international phone calls have been possible again, because in the past five or six days, no one has been able to make international phone calls." Tehran, Iran - Jan 11, 2026 5. Various of damaged buildings, smoke rising from damaged buildings, traffic Storyline An ongoing internet blackout is heightening tensions in Iran, where a lack of access to reliable information is adding to the turmoil sparked by weeks of widespread protests. Protests have erupted in several Iranian cities since late December over the sharp fall in the national currency, the rial, and long-standing economic hardships. The reported death toll from the unrest on both sides of the security forces and civilians is mounting. Since last week, Iran's capital, Tehran, and several other parts of the country have experienced internet blackout. According to media reports, Iran's top cyberspace authority was cited Monday that access to the internet in the country will remain restricted until officials determine that full security has been restored. Sepehr Saremi, a correspondent for the China Global Television Network (CGTN) based in Tehran, said the continued lack of internet access remained a significant challenge. "The situation is still very complex and complicated. Though I have to say, in the past 72 hours, Tehran has been peaceful and quiet. But the main, the challenging issue, especially for reporters, for journalists, for correspondents, for so many businesses in Tehran, is that we have no access to the international internet. Even some internal messaging applications are not functioning," he said. He said the media personnel had to go to a designated area, from where they were able to transmit their reports abroad for limited hours each day. Saremi also reported that the international phone services were restored on Tuesday. "Today, just a few hours ago, I found out that the international phone calls have been possible again, because in the past five or six days, no one has been able to make international phone calls," he said. On Monday, Iranian authorities said that they had obtained evidence of U.S. and Israeli involvement in domestic "terrorist activities," including footage showing weapons being distributed to protesters. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that Iranian officials had contacted the United States to propose negotiations, adding that "a meeting is being set up." He added that his administration is weighing "some very strong options," including potential military action against Iran, in response to Iran's crackdown on protesters. On Tuesday, however, Trump said that he had cancelled "all meetings" with Iranian officials. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland/Al-Arabiya/Persian language TV Stations outside Iran. Strictly No Access BBC Persian/VOA Persian/Manoto TV/Iran International TV]